Patron of the Academy: George Washington

The following narration features 3 letters written by George Washington between 1795-98. They regard his desire to donate shares of the James River Canal Company to a seminary of higher learning. He ultimately selects Liberty Hall Academy, a patriotic institution just outside Lexington, Virginia.

Liberty Hall subsequently renamed themselves "Washington Academy." During the War of 1812, they renamed themselves "Washington College." And after Robert E. Lee's death as university president in 1870, they took the name "Washington and Lee University."

These letters were narrated by Ian Kach, a parent of the Washington and Lee Class of 2026. Research and videography by Kamron M. Spivey, '24.

You may also view a transcript of this speech by clicking HERE.

Transcriptions of these original letters were accessed on the National Archives: https://founders.archives.gov/documen...