George Washington's Early Roots in Westmoreland County, Virginia
According to the Julian calendar, which was used by the British colonies at the time, Washington was born on February 11, 1732. But when the British Empire adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752, the date shifted to February 22, 1732—the version most of us recognize today. The long standing debate over the exact date of Washington’s birthdate has been debated for years.
Although we may not know the exact date of George Washington’s birthdate, we do know his exact birth location: Westmoreland County, Virginia. Nestled in the Tidewater region and just under a two-hour drive from Colonial Williamsburg, this quiet stretch of land offers an immersive and often overlooked glimpse into the modest beginnings of the man who would become the first President of the United States.
Tucked away from the busier tourist routes of Colonial America, this National Monument allows you to experience a more rugged and rural side of 18th-century life. The landscape itself tells a story—the gently rolling fields, forested edges, and proximity to the Potomac River all speak to the challenges and resilience required to homestead in the early Virginia colony.
The site features a memorial house, which is a historically-inspired reconstruction based on homes typical of Washington’s era. Although the original home no longer stands, this thoughtful reproduction, alongside preserved outbuildings and colonial gardens, paints a vivid picture of what life may have looked like in the 1730s. It’s easy to imagine a young George toddling through these fields, shaped by the rhythms of agricultural life and the self-sufficiency required to survive in the Virginia Tidewater.
The homestead offers a stark contrast of Washington’s later residence, Mount Vernon. It is humbler, quieter, more elemental. And in that simplicity lies its charm. The site doesn’t just commemorate Washington’s life; it captures the environment that forged his values: hard work, endurance, and deep ties to the land.
