A Graceful Walk From Power – George Washington

America’s Revolutionary War leader, Founding Father, and first president was truly extraordinary. As such, he voluntarily walked away from power. Not just once . . . but twice.

During the Revolution, Colonel Lewis Nicola wrote a letter to the army officers at Newburgh, New York. In it, he criticized the republican form of government. He proposed a constitutional monarchy with Washington as the King of the United States. Washington harshly rejected the proposal circulating in the army as a “calamity” facing the young nation. Washington made good on his objection. When the war ended in 1783, he resigned as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army.

Later, after serving two terms as America’s first president, Washington again voluntarily relinquished power – an act that was revolutionary for its time. He set the standard for what it means to be the Chief Executive:  being addressed as “Mr. President,” committing to republicanism, and fostering national unity.

The National Monument, established in 1930-32, is a historical site commemorating the residence where Washington was born on February 22, 1732. He lived there until he was 3½ years old and later returned as a teenager. But there are layers of history at this 551 acre site: the original Rappahannock inhabitants, the English colonists who established a settlement, the seven generations of Washingtons and enslaved workers who resided there, and the plantation’s connection to the wider heritage and importance of Virginia’s Northern Neck region.

A deeper examination reveals how, in the early 20th century, groups of local patriotic women were instrumental in the creation of the monument, and how today’s National Park Service staff continue the critical work of preserving and maintaining the grounds and architecture, as well as conducting research and educating the public. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, picnicking, hiking, fishing, bird watching, horseback riding, and kayaking.

The commission is expected to be a multi-year project. The photographs will expand Xiomaro’s artistic collections documenting Washington-related National Park sites in New Jersey, Massachusetts, and New York. Sample images from those collections can be seen in the gallery below.

All photographs are available for exhibition and purchase. Contact Xiomaro