"This is a very nice story about relationships, progression of thought of humankind, processes of culture through time, devotion and loyalty. I would recommend this to others. As a homeschooler of African American children, studying American history has often left my son with a negative taste in his mouth and mind. This is a refreshing approach to discuss actual historical documented events besides the vicious and brutal depiction of the usual books written about this era. Thank you for a fresh view.”

Sherita B.

book-colonelwashington

George Washington, His Slave William Lee, and Their Incredible Journey Together. It’s a story of freedom!

In 1768 George Washington purchases a young man who had been born into slavery. Washington has been a slave owner since age eleven. What develops is one of the more extraordinary relationships in American history. While most biographies on the first president mention the bond between George Washington and William Lee, Colonel Washington and Me is the first book dedicated solely to this story. The young reader travels through history as both men search for freedom on their incredible journey together.

Praise For Colonel Washington and Me

“Jeff Finegan takes a look at history through a new set of eyes: Those of a Mount Vernon slave who became the personal valet of our nation’s father. The story of William Lee provides valuable insights into the life of George Washington and the birth of our nation.”

Larry McShane, New York Daily News

“This is a magnificently illustrated, vividly told history of the founding of our nation as seen through the eyes of George Washington’s trusted servant William Lee. Here we get the story from the bottom up, by a historically true figure who comes to life like a character out of Dickens. It is solid history, wonderfully told, as alive as a fine work of fiction.” 

Donald L. Miller, Author of Masters of The Air 

“Colonel Washington and Me is a heartwarming story about loyalty and redemption. William Lee’s story is America’s story.”

Lou Reda, Lou Reda Productions

“This is a very nice story about relationships, progression of thought of humankind, processes of culture through time, devotion and loyalty. As a homeschooler of African American children, studying American history has often left my son with a negative taste in his mouth and mind. This is a refreshing approach to discuss actual historical documented events besides the vicious and brutal depiction of the usual books written about this era.”

Sherita Blackburn, Home School Mother  

Scenes from the Book

Documents from the Book