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George Washington House: A Glimpse into Presidential History in Barbados

Step back in time at the only residence outside the USA where George Washington lived, exploring colonial life and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Explore George Washington House in Bridgetown, Barbados, the only residence outside the United States where the future first U.S. President once lived. This beautifully restored 18th-century house offers a unique glimpse into Washington's formative years and Barbadian colonial life.

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.
  • The admission fee includes a self-guided audio tour in multiple languages.
  • Allow at least 1.5 - 2 hours to fully explore the house, museum, and Garrison Tunnels.
  • Check out the on-site cafe for a blend of Latin and Caribbean cuisines.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Bridgetown, take a public bus or ZR van from the Fairchild Street Terminal towards the Garrison. The standard bus fare is BBD 3.50. Disembark at the Garrison Historic Area stop. George Washington House is a short walk from the bus stop.

  • Taxi

    From the Bridgetown city center, a taxi ride to George Washington House typically costs between BBD 26.00 and BBD 34.00. The journey takes approximately 3 minutes.

  • Walking

    From the center of Bridgetown, it is approximately a 46-minute walk to George Washington House. Head south and follow signs for the Garrison Historic Area. Note that the walk is considerable in the Caribbean heat.

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Discover more about George Washington House

George Washington House, nestled in the Garrison Historic Area of Bridgetown, Barbados, offers a captivating journey into the past. This is the only house outside the continental United States where George Washington, the first President, resided. In 1751, a 19-year-old George Washington accompanied his ailing half-brother Lawrence to Barbados, seeking a climate to alleviate Lawrence's tuberculosis. Their two-month stay at what was then known as Bush Hill House significantly impacted Washington, exposing him to new cultures and military strategies. The house, built around 1717, has been carefully restored to reflect its 18th-century appearance. The ground floor features period furnishings, offering a glimpse into the daily life of a wealthy Barbadian family. The second floor houses an interactive museum with exhibits on Barbadian history, culture, and the transatlantic slave trade. Visitors can also tour a section of the Garrison Tunnels, rediscovered in 2011, which were part of the British military defenses. George Washington's stay in Barbados, though brief, shaped his worldview and leadership. He contracted smallpox during his visit and was nursed back to health at the house. His exposure to the island's military defenses and plantation economy broadened his horizons. Today, George Washington House stands as a symbol of the enduring relationship between the United States and Barbados.

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