Fort Barnwell in Craven County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Washington's Southern Tour
Photographed By Mike Stroud, April 19, 2013
1. Washington's Southern Tour Marker
Erected 1981 by Division of Archives and History. (Marker Number C-17.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, and the North Carolina Division of Archives and History series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1897.
Location. 35° 17.537′ N, 77° 20.183′ W. Marker is in Fort Barnwell, North Carolina, in Craven County. Marker is on State Highway 55 near Belltown & Biddle Roads, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9390 Highway 55, Dover NC 28526, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Fort Barnwell (within shouting distance of this marker); Ervin T. Rouse (approx. 3½ miles away); Burney Place (approx. 5.8 miles away); Catechna (approx. 8.1 miles away); John Lawson (approx. 8.2 miles away); Blount Hall (approx. 9.4 miles away); Tower Hill (approx. 10.6 miles away); Battle of Wyse Fork (approx. 11.2 miles away).
Regarding Washington's Southern Tour.
this page online
George Washington, Revolutionary War hero elected as the first president of the United States in February 1789, is one of the most celebrated figures in American history. For more than two centuries, the story of his eventful life has been marked by both truth and legend. The concept of the presidency was new, and Washington was fully aware that his decisions would set precedents. He resolved to tour the United States to observe political climate and culture, to thank his supporters, and to instill a sense of unity in the new country. As such, his tour and stops along the way became important landmarks in the areas he touched. Washington’s stature in history is almost mythical, and has given rise to the popular claim—in well-known towns and obscure hamlets along the Eastern Seaboard—that “George Washington Slept Here.” The claims are not surprising, however, as Washington saw more of his country while in office than any other American president before the twentieth century. He also kept a detailed diary chronicling his travels.
While on tour, he sought differing viewpoints and wanted to see and be seen by as many people as possible. Soon after taking office, he planned and undertook a successful 28-day tour of New England. In early 1791, after establishing a site for the new “Federal District” along the Potomac River, Washington
Photographed By Mike Stroud, April 19, 2013
2. Washington's Southern Tour Marker
After a night in Pitt County, Washington left the morning of April 20 headed toward the colonial capital of New Bern. Throughout his tour of the United States, Washington had made it a policy to only prevail upon inn and tavern keepers and not to spend nights and meals in private homes. However, after leaving Shadrach Allen’s inn en route to New Bern, Washington arrived at the home of Colonel John Allen for breakfast. Washington believed that Allen’s home was an inn. The mistake was not discovered until after Col. Allen’s wife, unprepared for Washington’s visit, produced a lavish meal in short order. Washington rested his horses at the Allen home briefly before continuing his travels to New Bern. (North Carolina Office of Archives & History — Department of Cultural Resources)
Photographed By Mike Stroud, April 19, 2013
3. Washington's Southern Tour Marker, on State Highway 55 near Belltown & Biddle Roads
Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 2, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 556 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 2, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.
