_21′×36′ Foundation of early 18^th century building unearthed by the War Department in 1896, traditionally the one in which George Washington was born in 1732._ _Source—From a “Map Showing foundation of the Wakefield Mansion—Where tradition affirms Washington was born”. Map drawn by John Stewart, C.E., 1896_ KITCHEN _Foundation of early 18^th century chimney unearthed in 1896._ _14′×14′ Foundation of early 18^th century building (probably a smokehouse) unearthed by the National Park Service in 1936._ COLONIAL GARDEN _Foundation of small brick structure unearthed in 1936. Use of structure unknown._ _30′×58′ Foundation of old structure known as building “_X_.” Uncovered by National Park Service in 1930. Re-excavated 1936._ [Illustration: _Drawn by George Washington in 1750 (copy)_] It is not known when George left the Popes Creek plantation for the last time as a youth, but he must have departed with a touch of sadness. The joys and pleasures of life on such a busy and beautiful tidewater plantation must have been unforgettable to the tall, teenage boy. _The Disastrous Fire_ George’s elder half brother, Augustine Washington, Jr., the second owner of the Popes Creek home, died in 1762. The plantation passed to his son, William Augustine Washington, George’s eldest nephew. William Augustine took title in full in 1774 when his mother, Ann Washington (who had a dower life interest in the estate), died. About this time the Popes Creek plantation, for the first time, was called “Wakefield,” a name said to have been inspired by Oliver Goldsmith’s _Vicar of Wakefield_, and which has endured. During the latter part of the American Revolution, when General Washington was leading the Continental Army in the north, his birth home in faraway Virginia caught fire and burned to the ground. Indirect evidence and tradition indicate that the house was destroyed Christmas Day, 1779. At the time of the fire the structure was owned by its third and last owner, William Augustine Washington. According to his daughter, Sarah Tayloe Washington, her father noticed the roof burning while returning from a ride. It is believed that a spark from the chimney blew through the small garret window and set fire to the house. The home which had sheltered three generations of Washingtons for half a century was never rebuilt by them. _A Century of Neglect_ After the disastrous fire at Wakefield, 36 years passed before the birthsite was marked. Finally, in 1815, George Washington Parke Custis (a grandson of Martha Washington and a ward of George Washington) visited Popes Creek and, in an imposing ceremony, marked what he considered to be the spot. Custis, in a letter to the editor of the Alexandria _Gazette_, described his visit in the following language: