The 1758 election of George Washington: A step back in time

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to step back in time, to immerse yourself in the momentous events that shaped the course of history? Well, this July 22, you have the opportunity to witness one such significant event—the election of 26-year-old Colonel George Washington to the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1758. This event, organized by the French & Indian War Foundation, promises to be an exciting and educational journey into the past.

In 1758, a young, ambitious George Washington stood for election to the House of Burgesses, representing Frederick County. His campaign was spearheaded by Colonel James Wood, who managed to procure a whopping 160 gallons of alcoholic drinks, freely distributed to the 391 voters in the county. This strategy proved successful as Washington secured more than 39 percent of the vote, winning the election and marking his entry into political life.

During the upcoming re-enactment, you will have the chance to meet Colonel James Wood, a mentor to young George and founder of Winchester. And if you’re lucky, you might even encounter George Washington himself!

Despite his impressive military reputation, Washington was relatively quiet in the political sphere. As a Burgess, he diligently attended sessions and cast votes but rarely made speeches. Nevertheless, his time in the House of Burgesses set the stage for his future leadership roles, including as commander in chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War and later as the first U.S. president.

The re-enactment event, hosted by the French & Indian War Foundation, is free to the public and will be held from 5 pm to 7 pm at the site of the historic 1758 election – 20 N Loudoun St, Winchester, VA. More details can be found on the Foundation’s website, fiwf.org, or by contacting them at 419-971-3493.

This is a unique opportunity to relive a key moment in American history. Join us and step into the shoes of the electorate of 1758, and experience the atmosphere, the personalities, and the strategies that helped shape the life of one of America’s most influential figures—George Washington.

Mark your calendar.