George Washington and the cherry tree is a tale that has passed down through many generations.
The story is mentioned in a new historical marker that was installed at the Weems-Botts Museum in Dumfries.
Located at 3944 Cameron Street, the museum is run by Historic Dumfries Virginia, which seeks to preserve Dumfries’ history.
Historic Dumfries Virginia and the Town of Dumfries hosted a dedication and ceremony on Monday.
Mason Lock Weems — one of the individuals that the Weems-Botts Museum was named after — and George Washington are recognized in the marker, which was donated by the Mary Elizabeth Conover Foundation.
Weems included the cherry tree legend in the fifth edition of his book, A history of the Life & Death, Virtues & Exploits of General George Washington.
In the story, George Washington — then 6 years old — cuts down a cherry tree. When confronted by his father, George accepted responsibility, stating “I can’t tell a lie.”
“This story is about honesty, a virtue that creates connections and builds trust, which are fundamental to family life — also fundamental to running a country,” Lawrence Nelson from the Mary Elizabeth Conover Foundation said.
Historic Dumfries Virginia Executive Director Lisa Timmerman explained that volunteers, staff and the Board of Directors aim to share accurate information about Dumfries and the museum.
“Our new marker’s text demonstrates this perfectly as we identify and recognize the importance of folklore, while still acknowledge the truth,” Timmerman said.
