Washington at the Plow: The Founding Farmer and the Question of Slavery

Winner of the 2022 George Washington Prize

Washington at the Plow by Bruce A. Ragsdale offers a fresh and original look at George Washington as a visionary farmer and innovator. Spending more of his life tending the land than in war or politics, Washington devoted over forty years to advancing agriculture, pioneering crop rotation, wheat production, and modern land-management techniques that inspired small farmers across America.

This compelling narrative also examines Washington’s relationship with slavery. While initially relying on enslaved labor to advance his farming experiments, he ultimately found that forced labor could not achieve his agricultural ideals, contributing to his decision to free his slaves after his death. Ragsdale presents a nuanced portrait of Washington as a man balancing practical farming innovation, moral conviction, and societal progress.

Details:

• Format: Hardcover
• Awards: 2022 George Washington Prize
• Focus: George Washington’s agricultural innovation, land management, slavery, and historical impact

This edition includes a Mount Vernon bookplate signed by the author, making it a unique collectible.