“Promote, then as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge.” GW Farewell Address
Westside Staff Gears Up for School
Many Oklahoma educators are already in their school rooms putting up bulletin boards, arranging desks, and preparing lessons. It is that time of year when teachers and students have that inkling of anticipation about the upcoming school year. Although George Washington only had the equivalent of a grade school instruction, he was a big proponent of education.“One common story is that he was taught to read and write by ‘a convict servant whom his father brought over as a schoolteacher.’ That is possible: convicts as well as indentured servants were dispatched to Virginia in considerable numbers; and some convicts were no doubt educated men whose offenses had not been particularly heinous. But there is no proof of this story. Nor is there any certainty, though it sounds more likely, that George attended a school in Fredericksburg— conducted by the Rev. James Marye (Cunliffe).”
Washington’s father died when George was eleven so that he never received a British education like he and his family desired for him…Thank Goodness! This meant that GW had a truly “American” outlook” and, in later life, used his entrepreneur attitude to promote a more ‘democratic-type” education for the new country.
Washington received his surveyor license from William and Mary, a college which he believed was important as can be seen by his comment as General of the Continental Army.“In light of the damages suffered by the College during the Revolutionary War, Washington wrote that ‘…the seat of literature at Williamsburg has, even in my view, been an object of veneration. As an institution, important of its communication of useful learning and conducive to the diffusion of the true principles of rational liberty, you may be assured, that it shall receive every encouragement and benefaction in my power towards its re-establishment.’ On January 18, 1788, Washington was elected chancellor (William and Mary web site).” Washington also gave a generous endowment of $20,000 in 1796 to Liberty Hall Academy in 1796. This helped the fledging school survive and turn into the renowned Washington and Lee University (Freeman).
Washington financially supported and was a trustee for the Alexandria Academy. The Academy was originally built as a private school for the children of Alexandria. Washington was enthusiastic about his trustee position because it allowed him to develop his vision for the educational needs of the new nation (Freeman). “The simple school was the home to one of the first experiments in public education in the new nation. Free education was a radical concept in the late eighteenth century, but Washington was committed to fostering its development. He pledged his own funds to ensure that orphans and indigent children, including girls, were to be educated in the same schoolhouse as tuition-paying students. Washington’s own nephews received their early education at the Alexandria Academy — as did a number of free black children. The Academy existed until 1823 (Alexandria, Virginia website).”
He also helped to found Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland. This was the first college in the newly born American Republic (not the first when America was part of Britain). The institution’s website declares the school “was distinct among its peers in its decidedly secular mission: to educate responsible citizens who could lead government, start businesses, and promote peace and knowledge.”
I believe that is the same wish of educators in Oklahoma today.
Information for this Blog came from: Man and Monument by Marcus Cunliffe; Washington by Douglas Southall Freeman; George Washington’s Leadership Lessons by James C. Rees; City of Alexandria, Virginia website; William and Mary website; Washington College website.
