The Digital Encyclopedia of George Washington

Alexandria Academy

Incorporated by the Virginia Assembly in 1786, the Alexandria Academy was located in George Washington’s home community of Alexandria, Virginia. Washington contributed significantly to the Academy during his life and with provisions in his will.1 In his life time, he advised its Board of Trustees with his vision for the establishment, which included free education for some of the community's poor.

Christ Church, Alexandria

Located in Alexandria, Virginia, Christ Church opened its doors in 1773 to serve the Church of England's Fairfax Parish. George Washington helped fund the construction of the church, and his personal bible was presented to the parishioners of Christ Church in 1804, by George Washington Parke Custis. 

Eulogies

After George Washington died on the evening of December 14, 1799, news spread slowly from Mount Vernon to the rest of the young republic. However, once people heard the surprising news, they expressed their grief and gratitude in over 400 mourning ceremonies...

George Washington and Ballooning

During George Washington?s lifetime lighter-than-air travel was first demonstrated. As a person who embraced new technologies, he was aware of and showed interest in the development of balloons.

King's College

King’s College in New York City (today Columbia University), was created in 1754 by a Royal charter from King George II as an Anglican college, headed by the Church of England.

Social Education

Social education in colonial America went beyond academic learning.

The Legend of George Washington's Baptism