George Washington Statue
George Washington was born in Virginia on February 22, 1732. As a boy, he excelled in field sports, and though
his formal education was limited, he exhibited skill in mathematics and surveying.
In the French and Indian War, though only 23, Colonel Washington demonstrated unflinching courage and
extraordinary leadership while under fire.
During the Revolutionary War, General Washington commanded the Continental Army against superior forces. He
devised the strategy of marching on the British in Virginia while the French fleet prevented an escape by sea.
Washington trapped General Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1781, capturing 7,000 troops and winning American
independence.
As a Virginia delegate to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787, Washington, serving as the
assembly's president, provided the moral authority and quiet leadership needed to facilitate compromises. Even
at this time, he was known as a "Founding Father." Following ratification of the Constitution, he was unanimously
elected the first president and inaugurated in New York on April 30, 1789.
President Washington toured the southern states in 1791. His enormous personal popularity served as a
significant force in binding the former thirteen colonies into a single nation. On May 2, he landed at Prioleau's
Wharf, one block south of the Exchange and Customs House. While in Charleston, President Washington met
with numerous officials, planners and merchants, worshipped at St. Michael's and St. Philips's churches, spoke
to various gatherings of citizens and attended several balls held in his honor.
He also enjoyed the hospitality of two fraternal groups of which he was a member - the Masons and the Society of
the Cincinnati. In his diary, he made several complimentary notes about Charlestonians. Referring to a concert
held at the Exchange, Washington remarked that "there were at least 400 ladies - the Number and appearance of
which exceeded anything of the kind I had ever seen."
Washington was unanimously reelected in 1792. Confronted with the competing philosophies of northern
businessmen and southern planters, President Washington had a unique ability to recognize and promote the
best of each. Leaving office after two terms, he established the tradition of peaceful transition of power. Retiring to
Mount Vernon, he managed his plantation, entertained many visitors and remained a valued political and military
advisor until his death on December 14, 1799.
Of his many achievements, he is most loved for his honesty. George Washington's reputation for integrity is of
such mythic proportions that school children continue to be taught that even as a boy, George Washington could
not tell a lie.
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George Washington Returns to Charleston
In 1881, on the 100-year anniversary of General Cornwallis' surrender to General Washington at Yorktown, the city
of Charleston renamed its first public park Washington Square in honor of George Washington. More than 100
years later, and at the request of Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr., General William C. Westmoreland chaired a committee
of fellow Charlestonians to raise the funds to erect a statue of George Washington in the park that bears his
name.
A native South Carolinian, General Westmoreland was one of America's most highly decorated and distinguished
soldiers. His duty assignments included Superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point,
Commander of United States ground forces in the Republic of South Vietnam and Chief of Staff of the United
States Army. General Westmoreland led troops in 17 battle campaigns in three wars. Sixteen countries decorated
him for his extraordinary military service and five institutions of higher learning conferred various honorary
degrees upon him. General Westmoreland's sincere commitment to duty and service to his soldiers, state and
country are the essence of this outstanding South Carolina soldier's life and career.
On the afternoon of December 14, 1999, numerous Charlestonians gathered to unveil the statue created by
nationally acclaimed sculpter John N. Michel. The citizens of Charleston are grateful to the following who helped
erect the statue:
The Society of the Cincinnati of the State of South Carolina, the Washington Light Infantry, the South Carolina
Legacy Trust Fund, the City of Charleston, Charleston County, the Society of the Descendants of Washington's
Army at Valley Forge, Sons of the American Revolution, Wachovia Corporation, and a list of 66 names.
Marker can be reached from Meeting Street near Broad Street, on the right.
Courtesy hmdb.org
