Lawrence Washington

Lawrence was George Washington’s older half-brother. George never got along with his own father, who died when he was 11 years old, and he regarded Lawrence as a father figure.

When their father died, George inherited Home (Ferry) Farm, and Lawrence inherited Little Hunting Creek Plantation. Lawrence renamed his plantation Mount Vernon. Besides running the plantation, he served in the legislature and founded Alexandria, across the Potomac from the future site of the US Naval Research Labs.

When Lawrence contracted consumption (tuberculosis), George accompanied him to Barbados for treatment. Lawrence ultimately succumbed to tuberculosis and died at Mount Vernon in 1752. Upon Lawrence’s death, George Washington took up residence at Mount Vernon and managed the estate for his brother’s widow.

Lawrence Washington

The Washington residence in Barbados