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George Washington’s gorget
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Choose an alternate description of this item written for these projects:
- MHS 225th Anniversary
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[ This description is from the project: Revolutionary-era Art and Artifacts ]
George Washington (1732-1799) wore this copper gorget, a symbolic remnant of a suit of armor, around his throat as part of his military uniform from about 1774-1775. The gorget is engraved with the coat of arms of the colony of Virginia, as well as with its motto, En Dat Virginia Quartam. Washington probably didn't wear this gorget after he was appointed commander-in-chief of the Continental Army in June 1775.
George Washington served as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, and later presided over the 1787 convention that drafted the United States Constitution. He was elected the first President of the United States and served from 1789 to 1797.