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The Estate

George Washington

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Washington Library

A Lasting Presence

Washington’s promise of religious freedom quickly spread throughout the country and was solidified through the 1791 Bill of Rights. Religious Freedom is now the fundamental law of the United States.

Creating the Constitution

The founding fathers struggled to compromise while developing the governing documents of the United States - see Washington did to help unite them.

Defending the Documents

Washington resigned from office in 1796, just after his second term. Washington informed the public of this through his Farewell Address. Read more about Washington's address and the impact it had on the American people.

Goodbye Washington

Liberty for All

Washington believed that all religions had the right to worship freely, and wanted to make sure this lasted for generations to come. Read more about Washington and religion in the link below.

Washington's Legacy

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Why is the first amendment still important today? What does it protect?

June 21, 1788

The Constitution is Ratified

The Constitution became the official governing framework for the United States, replacing the Articles of Confederation. The work was not completely finished, however, because founding fathers began to introduce amendments soon after it was ratified.

Congress Passes the Bill of Rights

Congress ratifies the Bill of Rights, which includes the 1st Amendment. This was applicable to every citizen of the US – but not to those who were enslaved or indigenous.

The Enslaved are Set Free

Congress passes the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery.

Equal Rights for Formerly Enslaved

The Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution is passed, granting equal rights to all people born or naturalized in the United States. This includes formerly enslaved peoples, but not indigenous peoples

Religious Freedom for All

The American Indian Religious Freedom Act is enacted, which protects indigenous people's rights to religious freedom. Now, everyone in America has the right to religious freedom under law.

Primary Source: Thomas Paine

In this 1789 letter, Thomas Paine writes copies of Washington's letter to the Quakers. He thought that Washington's promises of religious freedom were noteworthy, and wanted to share them to those in England.

Click below to explore Paine's letter.

Read the Letter

Primary Source: Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights includes the first ten Amendments to the Constitution. It contains the freedom of religion, speech, press, and many others. Click the link below to explore the primary source.

Read the Primary Source

Who was originally excluded from Religious Freedom? Why do you think that happened?

Primary Source: Washington's Wishes

In a 1792 letter to Edward Newenham, Washington expressed that "we should never again see their religious disputes carried to such a pitch as to endanger the peace of Society."

Read more of his wishes with the link below.

Read the letter (external)

Primary Source: Washington's Farewell Address

When Washington left his position as President, he wrote in his Farewell Address that religion and morality were the key to political prosperity. See what else Washington said, and his hopes for the future.

View Washington's Address

Why might Washington’s words be printed in newspapers and circulated around the world? How were his words revolutionary?

Click these links to read more about the founding of our government!

Religious Freedom Home

Click the link to go back to Religious Freedom Classroom Resources

Link to Homepage

Watch Religious Freedom

Learn how George Washington successfully established religious freedom in America with this 15 minute film!