page_title: Legacy of George Washington
section_title: Slavery
hierarchical_section_title: Legacy of George Washington / First American President / Slavery
caption_attribution_description: Washington standing among African-American fieldworkers harvesting grain; Mt. Vernon in background.
context_page_description: George Washington commanded the American Revolutionary War, and was the first President of the United States, from 1789 to 1797. In terms of personality, leading Washington biographer Douglas Southall Freeman concluded, "the great big thing stamped across that man is character." By character, says David Hackett Fischer, "Freeman meant integrity, self-discipline, courage, absolute honesty, resolve, and decision, but also forbearance, decency, and respect for others." Because of his central role in the founding of the United States, Washington is often called the "Father of his Country". His devotion to republicanism and civic virtue made him an exemplary figure among American politicians. His image has become an icon and is commonplace in American culture.
context_section_description: Washington believed that the institution of slavery on its own would eventually die out and be replaced by an industrial revolution that was beginning to emerge in the Northern states.
  Prior to the American Revolution, Washington never displayed any animosity towards slavery.  His views on slavery were modified during the Revolution, between 1775 and 1784, having been influenced by the egalitarian belief that men were born with natural rights.  Washington also discovered during the Revolution that free blacks who served in the Revolutionary Army could match the industry, dedication, and courage exhibited by white soldiers. In 1794, while President, to resolve his dilemma over slavery, Washington attempted to lease property at Mount Vernon to farmers on the condition that former slaves would work as paid free laborers.  This idea had been suggested to Washington by his close friend, Marquis de Lafayette, an abolitionist, in 1784.  However, the plan proved to be improbable and no buyers could be found to purchase the land.  Although Washington himself could have freed his own slaves and paid them as workers, he never did. According to historians, his death in 1799 under his new will in essence condemned Mt. Vernon to ruin and was in effect an act of atonement for Washington's lifetime involvement in human exploitation.  Martha voluntarily freed Washington's slaves in 1800, sixteen months prior to her own death.
caption: This 19th-century engraving is a depiction of Washington supervising his slaves at Mount Vernon.
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