Who Was Lawrence Washington | George Washington's Half-Brother

Who Was Lawrence Washington?

Unveiling the Legacy of George Washington's Half-Brother

Lawrence Washington, often overshadowed by the colossal figure of his half-brother, George, played a significant role in shaping the early life and career of the first President of the United States. Lawrence’s life story is imbued with elements of leadership, resilience, and a profound influence on one of the most pivotal figures in American history.

The relationship between Lawrence Washington and Barbados history is inextricably tied and is a testament to the interconnectedness of personal health struggles and the broader geopolitical and social dynamics of the 18th century.

This article will delve into a brief overview of Lawrence’s life, his battle with tuberculosis, his influence on George Washington, and the pivotal time they spent in Bridgetown, highlighting the importance of Barbados’ history in the Washington family narrative. It will soon link to additional ‘subpages’ supplying more in-depth information.

Also learn about George Washington House Barbados, a place where you can see, feel, and experience that history today!

Early Life and Education

Lawrence was born in 1718 in Virginia to Mildred Warner and Augustine Washington. It is a little-known fact that Lawrence was Augustine Washington’s 2nd son (his first son Butler died in infancy). In 1729, his father took him to England to enroll in Appleby Grammar School in Cumbria, England to further his education, personifying the colonial elite’s practice of sending their sons abroad for schooling. Upon returning to Virginia, he embodied the virtues of leadership and responsibility, traits that would later influence his younger half-brother, George Washington.

Upon Augustine’s return from England, he discovered his wife, Lawrence’s mother Jane, had died while they were away. Augustine married Mary Ball Washington soon after. She would go on to be the mother of George Washington.

While Lawrence was away, and George was 2 years old, the young family moved into Little Hunting Creek plantation at present-day Mount Vernon. Little Hunting Creek’s foundations can be seen beneath present-day Mount Vernon.

In 1738, the entire Washington family including Lawrence and his younger half-brother George moved into Ferry Farm, which Augustine recently purchased, on the edge of Fredericksburg in King George County.

British Military Service and Influence

In 1739, the British Parliament sent Lawrence to Virginia and the other colonies to raise a colonial infantry regiment for The War of Jenkin’s Ear, George II’s war in the West Indies against Spain.

Lawrence was commissioned as a captain leading an infantry battalion that went on to play a crucial role during the war. His battalion sailed to Jamaica in the West Indies in late 1740. He served in an unsuccessful attack on Cartagena, Colombia in 1741, as well as attacks on the seaport of New Granada and against Panama and Guantanamo, Cuba as well.

This experience introduced him to military life and strategy. His military service and political career extended throughout his life.

After the war in 1742, Lawrence was appointed Adjutant General for the Northern Virginia militia and was promoted to the rank of Major.

Additionally, Major Washington achieved the distinction of being elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1744.

His service highlighted his notable accomplishments and also served as a source of inspiration for his half-brother, George Washington, who admired Lawrence for his leadership qualities and military expertise.

Recap:

Lawrence Washington was a significant figure in the early American colonial elite, whose education and leadership were foundational to his character and subsequently influenced his family, especially George Washington. Lawrence’s military service in the West Indies was a crucial aspect of his life, providing a role model for George Washington and introducing Lawrence ( and to a small degree George ) to the intricacies of military strategy and leadership.

The Journey to Barbados

In 1751, Lawrence was diagnosed with tuberculosis, a common and often fatal disease during that period. In search of a cure, Lawrence and George Washington embarked on a journey to Barbados, the only foreign trip George would take in his lifetime. This trip was motivated by the belief that the warm climate of Barbados could help alleviate Lawrence’s condition.

Barbados History and the Washington Family

The Washington brothers’ stay is a notable chapter in Barbados’ history. During their time on the island, George Washington’s exposure to international trade including the comings and goings of British commercial shipping and British naval ships into the Port of Bridgetown military fortifications, and the complexities of plantation economies enriched his understanding of the broader Atlantic world.

This experience was invaluable, providing him with a unique perspective that would later influence his leadership during the American Revolution.

In addition, George was exposed to and caught smallpox, a potentially deadly disease that was far too common at the time. His good fortune was such that he did not succumb to the disease and was able to sail home to Virginia in December of 1751. Because of his exposure to the disease, Washington was immune to smallpox during the American Revolution, a very important factor when we think of what ‘could’ have happened had he not been ‘immunized’.

Recap:

The journey to Barbados was not only a quest for health but also a transformative experience for George Washington, deeply embedding Barbados’ history into the Washington family’s story. George learned a lot about the importance of Barbados’ role in trade and military operations for England. In addition, he developed an immunity to smallpox after he had the disease.

The Legacy of Lawrence Washington in Barbados

Lawrence’s health, unfortunately, did not improve significantly during his stay in Barbados, leading to his return to Virginia, where he passed away in 1752. However, the impact of their visit to Barbados left an indelible mark on George Washington and contributed to the rich tapestry of Barbados’ history.

The George Washington House in Barbados

Today, visitors to Barbados can explore the George Washington House and the Garrison Tunnels. This historic location offers a glimpse into young George’s and Lawrence’s lives and their time in Barbados. The house, gardens, and garrison tunnel tours are available in 6 languages, providing an educational and immersive experience into the 18th and 19th-century British military presence in the Caribbean. It is listed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Recap:

The legacy of Lawrence Washington and the historical visit to Barbados by the Washington brothers are preserved at the George Washington House, a key attraction for those interested in American history, Barbados history, and the early life of George Washington.

Conclusion

Lawrence Washington, George Washington’s half-brother, was a figure of considerable influence and importance in the early life of America’s first president. His battle with tuberculosis led to their significant journey to Barbados, an event that not only sought to improve his health but also played a pivotal role in shaping George Washington’s worldview.

The George Washington House in Barbados stands as a testament to this formative chapter in their lives, offering insights into the early American colonial elite and the enduring connections between Barbados and American history.

We are open to the public throughout the year. Let us take you through history as if you were there when Lawrence and George were on the island, click here or give us a call at (246) 228-5461.