To help us celebrate America’s birthday and better appreciate our nation’s founding, I asked Dean Norton to share his thoughts on George Washington. After spending fifty-five years caring for Washington’s beloved Mount Vernon estate, Dean knows our first president, the Father of our Country, as well as almost anyone. Here’s Dean.
Meeting George Washington
I was fortunate to meet George Washington at a very early age. At the age of thirteen I was the bugler for the Mount Vernon area Boy Scout Troop 654, and for many years I played taps at the tomb on Washington’s birthday. It was a humbling experience that I will never forget.
Even at thirteen, I had great respect for Washington, which only grew exponentially over time. Most impressive to me is that Washington had to work hard for everything he achieved.
His father died when he was eleven, and with his death the finances were not available for young Washington to further his education abroad as the other founders did. He had the equivalent of a sixth-grade education and often spoke of his defective education.
Famed historian and writer David McCullough wrote that the other founders were most sophisticated, intelligent, engaging, and introspective, but that Washington was the greatest of them all, and the founders knew it.
If you were to look at the founders as an equation for the formation of this country, you could remove any one of them except for one, remove Washington and it would fail. He was the indispensable man.
Regardless of the roadblocks Washington faced, he was determined to become a man of high moral values, proper social graces, trustworthiness, and influence.
Choosing George Washington
When our country chose to free itself from the bonds of Great Britain, they needed a figure to take command and lead the revolution. Some say he was chosen to lead the Continental Army because he showed up before Congress in his military uniform, that he had worn fifteen years earlier when serving as a major in the Virginia militia and later when serving under General Edward Braddock and his British military expedition.
Having a uniform was a bonus, but Washington was chosen because they knew the man. They knew his courage. They knew his character. He was a natural-born leader, a Virginian, and a unifier. At that time, there was no flag and no national anthem. Washington became the symbol for the army, the people, and the politicians to rally behind.
In Washington’s address to Congress accepting command of the Continental Army, he said, “Though I am sensible of the high honor done with this appointment, I feel great distress with my consciousness that my abilities and military expertise may not be equal to the extent of the important trust.”
Washington had every right to be concerned. He was not a military tactician; he lacked experience, and he had never led an army of any size. Against the British generals he would face, he was a rank amateur, and he knew it.
The Battle of Brooklyn, the first major battle of the war with the British, was a disaster. Our hopes for independence were nearly crushed in the first week of the war. As devastated as Washington was, he did not give up, as many others might have.
A Quick Learner
Washington learned quickly from his mistakes. As one historian stated, he was a reactive genius, consistently making the right decision in the moment. His greatest realization was that he did not have to win the war, only avoid losing it. He fought a war of posts, only engaging the enemy when he had the advantage.
For eight long years, Washington battled not only the weather, disease, and a lack of food and supplies, but also the staggering odds of leading an army that should have numbered 15,000 but often fielded only 5,000 men against 30,000 British and Hessian troops.
Celebrating Our 250th Anniversary and Washington’s Dedication
We are celebrating our 250th anniversary only because of Washington’s determination, dedication, the courage of his convictions, his willingness to serve, and as he often expressed through “Divine Providence.” He wrote:
“I bade adieu to Mount Vernon, to private life and domestic felicity, to render service to my country in obedience to its call.” ~ George Washington
Washington never failed to answer the call.
During your celebration, please remember those who fought, suffered, persevered, and died during our Revolution 250 years ago. And remember the Father of our Country, George Washington, who never lost sight of what he was fighting for, our independence and freedom.
Meet Dean Norton
Dean Norton at Mount Vernon
J. Dean Norton began employment at Mount Vernon Estate on June 23, 1969 and never left. After receiving a degree in horticulture from Clemson University he began his horticultural career as the estate’s boxwood gardener. He was promoted to horticulturist in 1980 and was responsible for applying the latest plant science and management techniques of horticulture in a historic setting. Dean devoted considerable time to researching 18th century gardens and gardening practices. He has led the restoration effort of the principal historic gardens and overall landscape at Mount Vernon Estate.
He has received awards for conservation and preservation from the Daughters of the American Revolution, American Horticultural Society, and the Garden Club of America. Dean received an honorary doctorate from Washington College. By presidential appointment during the Biden administration, he served on the Committee for the Preservation of the White House. He serves on several historic property boards and lectures nationally and internationally.
On December 31, 2024, Dean retired after 55 years of devoted service and now holds the title Director of Horticulture and Livestock Emeritus.
Celebrating America's 250th: Remembering George Washington #America250, #GeorgeWashington Share on XThank you, Dean, for helping us better appreciate our first president and the birth of our nation!
Further Reading
- Pastor Joe Wright’s Prayer for our Nation
- What Freedom Really Is—According to Scripture and the Founders
What do you appreciate about Washington or our nation’s beginnings? How will you be celebrating our nation’s birthday? Comment here.
Blessings,
Sometimes I link to these great sites:
#MondayLinkUp #InstaEncouragements, #Let’sHaveCoffee, #SweetTea&Friends
That is fascinating. I never knew all that about George Washington.
Me either, and I’m a fan. 🙂
Debbie, thanks for posting this about our wonderful first president. When my husband worked in Washington, D.C., we visited Mount Vernon so many times, we eventually became volunteers. It was fun to dress up in colonial garb and meet the visitors. Every July 4 there is a naturalization ceremony for those who are becoming United States citizens. Along with fireworks, patriotic cake is served. The year we were there we served over 8,000 pieces of cake. I love that place and can never tire of visiting. Dean Norton and the rest of the staff were great to work with. I’m so thankful that Mount Vernon Ladies Association took over the preservation of President Washington’s home. He was a great man and we should never forget the sacrifices he and others made to give us liberty.
I love hearing about your time there, Barbara! Small world. It is a very special place, and Dean has a way of making it fun!
Thanks Debbie, I loved reading this, and wonder how you learned about Dean Horton? Is he now a North Carolinian?
I appreciate President Washington much more now. 🙂
He’s my cousin‘s husband. They still live in Virginia close to Mount Vernon. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I always learned so much from Dean’s tours.
Thank you, Dean and Debbie for this inspiring and uplifting message. I’m a history lover and just returned from a vacation in the Williamsburg area where I was reminded of the sacrifices of many that we might have freedom. Washington is truly a many of intelligence, determination, integrity, and grit. I’m proud to be an American and ever grateful for those who fought, sacrificed, and gave all they had for liberty.
Katherine, the courageous men and women who built our nation inspire me too. I wish their stories were being taught in all levels of education. I’m thankful for those who do.
Thank you both, Debbie and Dean for sharing on Pres. Washington. I appreciate him all the more now.
I always learn a lot when I Dean shares. I’m glad his words resonated with you.
Debbie, this was so interesting. I realize, yet again, how little I really know about the early days of our country’s founding. Thanks for giving me this nudge to be more aware.
I hope this weekend is a good one for you and yours. Bless you, girl.
Linda, I also realized how little I really know. Thank you, friend.
I’ve read about George Washington, but there were parts of this I was unfamiliar with. I am amazed at the fortitude and perseverance of our founding fathers, especially Washington.
Barbara, they certainly challenge and inspire me.
George Washington has always been my favoirite president! I read many biographies about him, and visted his house and grave in Mt Vernon. When I lived in Brooklyn, NY, I visited all the sites for the Battle of Brooklyn and blogged about them. The links to those posts are in my blog this week. Living in NYC at that time there were many areas where GW presence was still felt–Fraunces Tavern where he gave his heartfelt “farewell to the troops” speech, the Wall Street area where there is a beautiful statue of GW overlooking that street.
Pat, thanks for adding your personal connections. I loved the year I lived in New England and got to visit so many historical places.
Our youngest daughter got engaged at Mt Vernon. It’s an amazing place and great to learn so much about George Washington. Thanks Debbie.
How special!! It’s a beautiful setting.
This is so interesting Debbie. I’m a fan of George Washington. Thank you both for sharing this tribute with Sweet Tea & Friends this month Sweet friend. I’m so happy you’re here.
Thanks, Paula.