Interested in learning more about George Washington? Here are some resources you can consult.
These materials have been read or viewed by members of the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC), who highly recommend them.
Books:
1776, by David McCullough. An account of Washington and those who marched with him during the year of the Declaration of Independence by the author of John Adams and Truman.
Braddock's Defeat, by David Preston. An excellent account of the campaign to expel the French from British territory in the Ohio Valley, including an extensive description of Washington's role.
David Humphreys’ Life of Washington, by David Humphreys. The only biography authorized by the general, written by a close friend, military aide, and three-year resident at Mount Vernon privy to Washington’s inmost thoughts. Edited by Rosemarie Zagarri, it includes original manuscripts and thorough notes.
George Washington's Secret Six: The Spy Ring that Saved the American Revolution, by Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger. This engaging New York Times bestseller tells the story of the Culper Spy Ring that Washington created after being driven out of New York by the British in 1776.
Founding Brothers, by Joseph J. Ellis. This Pulitzer Prize-winning book exemplifies the critical issues faced by the new nation in the 1790s by highlighting six events: The Alexander Hamilton-Aaron Burr duel; the secret “deal” between Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison resulting in the establishment of the Capitol in Washington, D.C.; Benjamin Franklin's petition to end slavery; George Washington's famous Farewell Address at the end of his Presidency (an excellent account of its making); John Adams’ difficult term as Washington’s successor; and the renewed correspondence between former rivals Jefferson and Adams.
First Entrepreneur: How George Washington Built His -- and the Nation’s – Prosperity, by Edward G. Lengel. How Washington grew Mount Vernon into a multi-faceted business and applied those skills to successfully manage the woefully underfunded Revolutionary War.
In the Hands of a Good Providence, by Mary V. Thompson. This book by Mount Vernon’s historian discusses Washington’s religious beliefs and practices throughout his life, amidst a detailed overview of religion in the colonies and new Republic.
Riding with Washington, by Philip G. Smucker. Excellent insights into Washington's personality and told with examples of his sportsmanship and chivalry by a Washington family descendant.
The Education of George Washington, by Austin Washington, a descendant of Washington's favorite brother, John Augustine Washington. A humorous correction of myths and anecdotes about Washington, with information about one of the unknown men who influenced Washington's character.
The Quartet: Orchestrating the Second American Revolution (1783-1789), by Joseph J. Ellis. The period between the end of the Revolutionary War and the ratification of the Constitution was a critical one for the new nation. Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Ellis shows how four men - George Washington, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay - understood that a radical change was needed to turn the thirteen colonies into the United States of America, and took steps to assure it happened.
Travels with George, by Nathaniel Philbrick. Washington was one of the most well-traveled men of his time. In a 2018 trip with his wife and dog, Philbrick follows Washington’s Presidential excursions throughout the states with a narrative that provides both an 18th-century and current-day view of the sites.
Valiant Ambition, by Nathaniel Philbrick. The story of Washington's prosecution of the Revolutionary War and how his brilliant friend and best general, Benedict Arnold, served the Colonies and then turned on them.
Walking with Washington, by Robert L. Madison. This small volume lists a wide range of sites in and near Alexandria and describes their relationship to Washington and his contemporaries. It includes helpful maps with several walking tours clearly laid out.
Washington: A Life, by Ron Chernow. A comprehensive biography of Washington by the author of Alexander Hamilton.
Television and DVDs:
George Washington, The Mini-Series. A 1984 Emmy-nominated television mini-series chronicling the life of Washington from age 11 to the end of the Revolutionary War. Starring Barry Bostwick as George Washington and Patty Duke as Martha Washington, with Jaclyn Smith, Lloyd Bridges, James Mason, and Robert Stack.
Legends and Lies: The Patriots. George Washington is prominently featured in this 2015 television series presented by Fox Nation and narrated by American actor Kelsey Grammar.
Pursuit of Honor: The Rise of George Washington. An independent documentary film exploring Washington’s early years and connecting them to his actions during the Revolutionary War and his Presidency.
The Crossing. A 2000 historical drama film about George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River and the Battle of Trenton, starring American Actor Jeff Daniels.
The War that Made America. A four-hour PBS special about the French and Indian War (1754-1763) connecting Washington’s role in that war with the later American Revolution.
Turn: Washington's Spies. This 2014-2017 television series, based on a book by Alexander Rose, brings to life the true story of the Culper Spy Ring that helped America win the Revolutionary War.
Washington. A 2020 three-part miniseries presented by the History Channel and narrated by American actor Jeff Daniels.
