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George Washington House: A Journey into 18th-Century Barbados

Step back in time at the beautifully restored George Washington House in Barbados, the only place he lived outside the USA, and explore 18th-century life.

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Explore the beautifully restored George Washington House, the only residence outside the United States where the first U.S. President once lived. This historic site offers a captivating glimpse into 18th-century Barbadian life and the influences that shaped a young George Washington.

A brief summary to George Washington House

  • Monday 9 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds.
  • Allow at least 1.5 - 2 hours to fully explore the house, museum, and tunnels.
  • Take the self-guided tour with audio devices available in six languages.
  • Enjoy a meal or coffee at the Coffee-House, located in the old stable building.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Bridgetown, George Washington House is easily accessible by public transport. Take any bus from the Fairchild Street Terminal heading towards the Garrison or Hastings. The cost is BBD 3.50. Exact change is required on Transport Board buses. Disembark at the Garrison Historic Area stop, from where it's a short 10-15 minute walk to George Washington House at 1 George Washington Blvd.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Bridgetown. A taxi ride from the city center to George Washington House takes approximately 3 minutes and costs between BBD 26.00 and BBD 34.00. Ensure the driver is using Barbados dollars for the fare. Taxis can be identified by the 'Z' on their license plates.

  • Walking

    For those already in Bridgetown and keen for a walk, George Washington House is approximately a 46-minute walk from the city center. Head towards the Garrison Historic Area. From the main commercial area, walk along George Washington Blvd; the house is about a 20-minute walk.

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Discover more about George Washington House

George Washington House, nestled in the Garrison Historic Area of Bridgetown, Barbados, offers a unique window into the life of a young George Washington and 18th-century colonial Barbados. Built around 1717, this Georgian-style mansion is the only house outside the continental United States where the future first president resided. In 1751, a 19-year-old George Washington accompanied his ailing half-brother, Lawrence, to Barbados in hopes that the warm climate would alleviate Lawrence's tuberculosis. For two months, they lived in this house, then owned by Captain Richard Crofton. Washington's experiences on the island, including exposure to its military defenses, agricultural techniques, and colonial society, profoundly impacted his worldview and future leadership. The beautifully restored house features period furnishings, museum exhibits, and a section of the historic Garrison Tunnels. Visitors can explore the ground floor's authentically recreated rooms, delve into the interactive museum on the second floor, and venture into a portion of the underground tunnel network. A 16-minute docudrama in the air-conditioned cinema recounts Washington's visit. The Garrison Tunnels, rediscovered in 2011, were originally built in the 1820s as a drainage system. Oral history suggests they were later used as escape routes for the British military. George Washington House is more than just a historical landmark; it's a testament to the shared heritage between Barbados and the United States.

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