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George Washington Land Indenture Written Entirely in His Hand. ...
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Description
George Washington adds 206 acres of land to Mount Vernon in 1764, a strategic purchase in enhancing the productivity and Sustainability of his Mount Vernon Estate
George Washington Land Indenture Written Entirely in His
Hand. Large sheet of laid paper, 14 1/2 x 21 inches, Fairfax
County, Virginia; June 18, 1764.A handwritten indenture in which Washington writes his name ("George Washington") a total of six times and signs ("Geo: Washington") in the filing docket on the verso for the acquisition of 206 acres of land purchased from William Whiting and his wife Diana. William Whiting signs with his mark. The indenture states the land is situated "on the West Side of the Doegs Run (Dogue Run)" and lists the lineage of ownership going back to 1744.
In the 1760s, George Washington embarked on a series of land acquisitions that significantly expanded his Mount Vernon estate. Driven by a vision to enhance his plantation's productivity and profitability, Washington sought to consolidate and enlarge his holdings. His many acquisitions included the purchase of the 206 acres on Dogue Run (a tributary of Dogue Creek, which empties into the Potomac River) recorded in this indenture. The acquisition allowed him to maximize water resources effectively for both farming and milling operations. By controlling the flow and access to Dogue Run, Washington was ensured a consistent water supply which was essential for operating his gristmills. These mills were vital for processing wheat and other grains, contributing to the estate's economic sustainability.
These water resources further allowed Washington to experiment with crop rotation and other agricultural innovations, reflecting his progressive approach to farming. By 1775, as tensions with Great Britain escalated towards revolution, Washington ceased his land purchases, focusing his efforts on the emerging conflict and his leadership role within the Continental Army. This period of land acquisition underscored Washington's ambitions and foresight, laying the groundwork for Mount Vernon's enduring legacy.
Condition: Creasing along folds, uneven toning (darker at top), as well as offsetting along margins. Two separations along horizontal folds are reinforced with paper on verso, with the top repair being cut to leave the filing docket visible, but affecting a few words on recto. Scalloped top edge has chipping at outer corners, and a small damp stain at bottom edge of recto. A few scattered stains on verso, as well as a small piece of prior adhesive at bottom right corner, and pencil annotations at bottom left corner.
References: https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/growth-of-mount-vernon (Accessed on June 16, 2024).
Auction Info
2024 July 25 Historical Platinum Signature® Auction #6294 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
July, 2024
25th
Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 11
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