George Washington’s childhood home nearly became a Walmart; locals raised $2.2 million to save it

George Washington’s childhood home at Ferry Farm in Virginia was nearly replaced by a Walmart Supercenter. Thirty years ago, the historic site of George Washington’s childhood home in Virginia came close to being transformed into a Walmart Supercenter, until local residents rallied to save the property. Known as Ferry Farm, the site was purchased by the retail giant in 1996 for a proposed development, prompting concerns among community members about the loss of an important piece of American history. Residents organised campaigns, raised awareness and eventually collected $2.2 million to buy back the land. The property was subsequently donated to the George Washington Foundation, preserving the site where the first US president spent much of his childhood.How George Washington’s childhood home was savedWashington moved to Ferry Farm with his family when he was six years old. After his father died when he was 11, the young Washington inherited the farm and took on greater responsibilities within his family.The property played an important role in his formative years, introducing him to agriculture and land surveying. These skills later helped him establish a career as a surveyor in ...