Washington's Immense Legacy

Washington’s legacy is immense and immensely variegated. Known to many as the “father of his country,” Washington’s name or face adorns the federal capital, a holiday, two currency denominations ($1 Federal Reserve note, 25 cent Treasury coin), various stamps, a massive piece of carved stone in South Dakota called Mount Rushmore and a 555-foot obelisk on the mall in the nation’s capital. It has also graced numerous private banks and/or their notes, moralistic stories (about cherry trees and what not), place names from hamlets to mountains to an entire state, innumerable streets, boulevards and avenues, and four colleges and universities.

Materials

Objects and Images Related to George Washington

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Alexander Hamilton Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury (September 1789 to January 1795)

Militia Soldier Payment Receipt for payment of militia soldier serving under General George Washington, 1776.

Beautiful Productivity on the Banks of the Potomac Mount Vernon, the Washington family home in Virginia.

The Potomac Company Potomack Company share certificate issued to George Washington, 1798. Collection of John E. Herzog.

Washington's Immense Legacy Bank note from the Rhode Island Washington Bank featuring the possible first likeness of George Washington on currency, circa 1800. Collection of John E. Herzog.

We’re Wealthy Already and Bound to Get Richer George Washington’s family.

The Washington Bond Bond dated January 17, 1792 and signed by President George Washington.

Oliver Wolcott, Jr. Oliver Wolcott, Jr., Secretary of the Treasury (February 1795 to December 1800)