Augustine Washington - Legacy

Legacy

After Washington's death in 1743 at the age of 49, his son George inherited the former Strother property and its slaves. As he was only 11 years old, his mother Mary managed the property for him until he came of age. She lived on the property until 1772 when she was 64; George moved her to a house in Fredericksburg.

Lawrence inherited the Little Hunting Creek property and its slaves. He renamed his property Mount Vernon, in honor of Admiral Edward Vernon, with whom he had served in the British Navy during the Battle of Cartagena de Indias.

Lastly, Augustine, Jr. inherited the Popes Creek property and slaves. At his death, Augustine Washington, Sr. held a total of 64 slaves who were assigned among the various plantations.

According to Augustine's will, if Lawrence died without children, the Little Hunting Creek property would be given to Augustine, Jr. He would then have to give Popes Creek to George. If Augustine, Jr. did not want the Little Hunting Creek property, it would be inherited by George. Lawrence had no living children when he died, and Augustine, Jr. did not want to give up Popes Creek; therefore, George Washington ultimately inherited the Little Hunting Creek property.

Lawrence Washington's widow Ann had a life interest in the Little Hunting Creek plantation. As she remarried and was not living at Mount Vernon, she leased the property to George beginning in 1754. Upon her death in 1761, George Washington inherited the plantation outright.