George Washington was first in war, first in peace and our nation's first President, but he was also the
"first farmer".
He was one of the first American farmers to:
1. Develop a system of selective breeding
2. Make use of an extended 7-year crop rotation system
3. Recognize the need to replenish soil rather than move and clear new lands
4. Resolve to make America a "granary" to the world by emphasizing the production of wheat and other grains rather than tobacco
Tour this famous farmer by visiting the George Washington Pioneer Farmer website, maintained by the Mount Vernon Association.
This site is easily navigable and contains over 50 information pages on Washington as a Farmer and Slaveholder in the 18th-century South.
Web site Breakdown
This Web site has the following sections:
Washington the Farmer
In this section, you will discover what Washington's views on farming were, and the animals that he owned and bred on his farms.
Washington's Farm Structure
In this section, you will learn about the five farms that make up Mount Vernon. Information on the tools that were used, the crops grown, and other fascinating stuff that make up the farming culture of the 18th century.
The 16-sided Barn
Washington invented this barn and had it built on his Dogue Run farm. Learn about this innovative structure in this section.
First in Farming
This section is a listing of farming firsts, which Washington is credited with.