Historians In Awe Over Discovery At Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello Property

George Washington And His Freed Slaves

Slavery was a widespread problem during the early days of America. In fact, 12 U.S. presidents owned slaved during their presidencies. However, only one of those men actively chose to free their non-family slaves. George Washington, when he was just eleven years old, inherited 10 slaves and by the time of his death, 317 slaves lived in Mount Vernon, including 123 owned by the President.

He also leased 40 slaves from a neighbor and had 153 “dower slaves.” When he died, the President’s “last will and testament” ordered the freedom for every slave in his family’s ownership upon the death of his wife Martha Washington. His longtime manservant William Lee, however, was immediately released upon President Washington’s death.