George Washington Historical Sites and Tour

George Washington was one of many Founding Fathers, but is singled out for particular respect and admiration due to his skills as a military leader (vital to the Colonial victory in the Revolutionary War) and his service as the first American President. It's said that, such was Washington's popularity, he could have abused his power and remained in office indefinitely. (Washington remains the only president in US History to receive 100% of the electoral college vote.)

Instead, Washington reluctantly took up office for two terms, and then refused to return as president (thus setting the 2-term precedent that would become enshrined as law), in keeping consistent with his belief in a representative government free of tyranny and cults of personality.

This nobility, honesty and sense of duty reverberates with Americans, clearly, making Washington one of the most revered figures in the nation's history, and making historical sites related to his life and legacy perennial favorites for tourists and sightseers. Here are essential places to visit for anyone interested in Washington's role in history, ordered by events in Washington's life. These destinations are largely on the East Coast, in states that were part of the original 13 American colonies (particularly Virginia, Pennsylvania, Washington DC and Massachusetts.)