George Washington, A Conservationist?

 

George Washington is comemorated for his leadership in America's quest for Independence. A victorious commanding general, his daring and brillance during the American Revolutionary War establishing the United States as a sovereign nation. He is equally praised as the first President of the United States. He established standards for American government which have ensured the United States' position as the world's premier republic and democracy.

History reveals yet another side to George Washington. He is perhaps the first American leader to recognize the need for natural stewardship and preservation. His love of the natural splendor of Virginia, and the Potomac River is noted by letters, commentary, and art. Although, George Washington was not an environmentalist by today's standards (the word did not exist in the 18th century), he was indeed a conservationist concerned about the long range welfare of America's natural resources.

 

 

 

Washington's choice: 1793 "Potomac River" by William Wistanley

Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

George Washington, Ahead of his time

 

George Washington preferred fine art portraying nature. This was contrary to the choices of many of the elite of America and Europe who invested in collections of neoclassic paintings. Washington urged painters to defy traditions and paint America's natural settings, but with little success. Fifty years later his ideas were adopted by the renowned Hudson River School of artists who painted natural settings. George Washington's artistic taste indicate his fundamental views and appreciation of nature (see footnote 1). Some of his ideas on natural preservation were adopted nearly a century later.

Washington's Ideas Mature in 200 Years

"[For America's Welfare], Agriculture is of primary importance. In proportion as Nations advance in population,....this truth becomes more apparent; and renders the cultivation of the soil more and more, an object of public patronage." (see footnote 9).

George Washington, address to the U.S. Congress in 1796

"It's my feeling that industry should be one of the primary supporters of conservation in this world. Because what is disappearing is basically our long range economic insurance. The substances that we have yet to discover are substances on which business can become dependent" (see footnote 10).

Doctor Thomas Eisner, Cornell University, address for environmental preservation, 1986

 

"Nothing in my opinion would contribute more to the welfare of these states, than the proper management of our lands" (see footnote 6)

George Washington, 1789

"I am now, I believe, fixed at this Seat with an agreeable Consort for Life and hope to find more happiness in retirement [amid the natural beauty of Mount Vernon] than I ever experienced amidst a wide and bustling World" (see footnote 16)

George Washington, 1759

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