george washington

6 articles

Aug7

1998What is the Purple Heart Trail?

The Purple Heart Trail is a symbolic network of roads, highways, and memorials stretching across the United States and its territories, beginning at Mount Vernon, Virginia, to honor military personnel wounded or killed in combat. Created in 1992 by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, this Trail serves as a visible tribute to recipients of one of the nation’s oldest military honors—the Purple Heart Medal, whose origins trace back to General George Washington’s 'Badge of Military Merit' in 1782. Unique memorial markers, such as the monument dedicated at Mount Vernon on August 7, 1998, and the tablet at MacArthur Square in Norfolk, Virginia, connect present-day travelers to over two centuries of sacrifice and remembrance. On August 7, 2025, the Trail will mark both the 243rd anniversary of the Purple Heart’s creation and 32 years since the Trail’s first dedication.

Jun30

1921Why is a statue of George Washington located in London, England?

A striking bronze statue of George Washington stands in front of the National Gallery in London, England, a symbol of reconciliation between two former adversaries. Gifted by the Commonwealth of Virginia, the statue was inaugurated on 30 June 1921 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Virginia’s founding and to foster goodwill after World War I. Uniquely, this monument is an exact replica of Jean-Antoine Houdon's 1796 original, featuring Washington in his Revolutionary uniform beside a plowshare and a bundle of fasces representing the unity of the thirteen states. As the statue marks its 104th anniversary in 2025, it remains a powerful testament to enduring peace and cooperation across the Atlantic.

Oct9

1825What monument was a gift to Iceland from the United States to commemorate the 1000-year anniversary of the Althing, the oldest parliament in Western Civilization?

The Leif Erikson Memorial, a prominent statue standing before Hallgrímskirkja Church in Reykjavik, Iceland, was a gift from the United States to commemorate the 1000-year anniversary of the Althing, the world’s oldest parliament. Designed by American sculptor Alexander Stirling Calder and unveiled in 1932, the memorial honors Leif Erikson, the Icelandic explorer who reached North America around the year 1000 AD—centuries before Columbus. Remarkably, the statue itself weighs fifty tons and features a dedication celebrating both the historic Althing and the spirit of discovery. Today, the site remains Iceland’s most photographed monument, drawing visitors eager to trace the interwoven stories of adventure and democracy.

Aug25

1789Which monument in the United States has the distinction of being the only one erected to a woman by women?

The Mary Washington Monument in Fredericksburg, Virginia, stands as the only monument in the United States erected to a woman by women, honoring Mary Ball Washington, mother of George Washington. Its creation signifies the collective efforts of several women's associations, most notably the Daughters of the American Revolution, to preserve and commemorate the memory of a foundational figure in American history. After decades of stalled attempts and setbacks—including damage during the Civil War and the threatened sale of her grave—the monument was finally dedicated on May 10, 1894, before thousands, with President Grover Cleveland presiding. Its Vermont granite obelisk, inscribed “ERECTED BY HER COUNTRY-WOMEN,” remains a unique testament to American motherhood and women's perseverance.

Sep3

1781Who is recognized as the first Colonel of the U.S. Army and was taken prisoner in Canada during the American Revolution?

Brigadier General William Thompson, born in County Meath, Ireland and later a resident of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, holds the distinction of being the first Colonel commissioned by the Continental Congress for the "army of the United Colonies"—the forerunner of the U.S. Army. Thompson’s military service during the American Revolution was marked by both valor and misfortune; after leading troops at the Battle of Trois-Rivières in Québec on June 8, 1776, he was captured and spent four years as a prisoner of war. His legacy endures through memorials in Carlisle, New York City, and Trois-Rivières, and a striking Celtic cross and commemorative granite slab at his gravesite honor his unique history as both a celebrated officer and a long-imprisoned war hero. On September 3, 2025, his life and legacy will be remembered on the 244th anniversary of his death—more than 250 years after his groundbreaking commission.

Feb22

1732Where was George Washington born?

George Washington, the first President of the United States, was born on the marshy banks of Pope's Creek in Westmoreland County, Virginia—not in England or at Mount Vernon, as is sometimes rumored. His actual birthplace, now preserved as the George Washington Birthplace National Monument, holds deep historical significance as the first historic site designated in the National Park System in 1930. The foundations of Washington’s birth house remained hidden for 150 years until rediscovered by archaeologists, and today, white oyster shells mark the spot just 100 feet from the Colonial Revival-style Memorial House. A striking feature is the 50-foot granite obelisk, donated by Congress and moved to its current location in 1930, which stands at one-tenth the height of the Washington Monument in the nation’s capital.