George Washington House
Key facts: St. Michael · $ · Sunday 9AM-4PM, Monday 9AM-4PM, Tuesday 9AM-4PM, Wednesday 9AM-4PM, Thursday 9AM-4PM, Friday 9AM-4PM, Saturday 9AM-4PM · Ages: all
George Washington House is an 18th century mansion at the Barbados Garrison in Bridgetown, St. Michael, and is the only home outside the United States where George Washington is known to have stayed. He visited Barbados in 1751 with his half-brother Lawrence, who was seeking treatment for tuberculosis. The house is now a museum open daily from 9AM.
About George Washington House
George Washington House sits within the historic Barbados Garrison complex at Bridgetown, St. Michael, and holds a remarkable distinction: it is the only home outside the United States where George Washington is known to have slept. Washington visited Barbados in 1751 at the age of 19, accompanying his half-brother Lawrence who was seeking treatment for tuberculosis. It was the only time Washington ever left American soil. The house was opened as a museum in January 2007 and presents the story of the Washington visit alongside a broader portrait of Barbadian life and the Garrison in the mid-18th century.
Why Families Go
George Washington House is a genuinely surprising and interesting stop that reframes Barbados as part of a larger Atlantic world history. Older children and teenagers who know Washington from American history often find it striking that one of the most famous figures in that history spent two months in Barbados. The audio self-guided tour is included in admission and covers the house and its history in an accessible way.
What to Know Before You Go
The house is open daily from 9AM to 4PM. Admission is $20 USD for adults and $10 USD for children aged 5 to 12. The address is The Garrison, St. Michael, within the same UNESCO World Heritage complex as the Barbados Museum and the Garrison Savannah. A visit pairs well with the Barbados Museum directly nearby. The audio self-guided tour and a short film are included in the admission price.
Family Fit
Best for families with children aged 10 and up who can engage with the historical narrative. The audio tour and film make it accessible without needing a guide. Allow one to two hours. Combine with the Barbados Museum next door for a full morning at the Garrison.
Questions parents ask
What is George Washington House?
It is the only home outside the United States where George Washington is known to have stayed. He visited Barbados in 1751 at age 19 with his half-brother Lawrence. It is now a museum at the Barbados Garrison in St. Michael.
Why did George Washington come to Barbados?
Washington accompanied his half-brother Lawrence to Barbados in 1751, hoping the tropical climate would help Lawrence recover from tuberculosis. It was the only time Washington ever left American soil.
What are the opening hours?
Open daily from 9AM to 4PM.
How much does it cost?
Admission is $20 USD for adults and $10 USD for children aged 5 to 12. A self-guided audio tour and short film are included.
What else is near George Washington House?
The Barbados Museum and Historical Society is directly nearby within the same Garrison complex, making a combined visit straightforward and worthwhile.
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