Continuing Lessons from Washington’s ‘Farewell Address’

Washington Resigning His Commission. General George Washington resigned his commission as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army in the Old Senate Chamber of the Maryland State House on Dec. 23, 1783. Edwin White/Public domain

Commentary

This Feb. 22 marks the 287th winter since George Washington was born to Augustine and Mary Ball Washington. The second son of a moderately successful planter, he would, of course, rise to become one of the most consequential figures of the millennium.