The Washington family moved to Ferry Farm Plantation in 1738. Located on the Rappahanock River, Washington would spend most of his childhood there. George was only 11 years old when his father died.

Aaron Burr, who served briefly on his staff during the Revolution, considered George Washington a second-rate ... but he held slaves until his death, when he freed them in his will.

Two of these delegates, Patrick Henry and George Mason, were prominent Virginians; in fact, Mason and Washington were neighbors. While it was a time of great hope and promise for the nation’s future, ...