NARRATIVE: Young George Washington is well known for the famous cherry tree incident, but what is less known is his interest with map-making and surveying local gardens, fields and lots, as well as drawing plat maps to amuse himself and others. Known to be a bright student as he matured, George was skilled at mathematics which aided his understanding of surveying requirements. Land surveying in early Virginia was a respected and profitable pursuit for any young man.

In 1747, at age fifteen, Washington had association with the Fairfax family which earned him the notice of Lord Fairfax who employed competent surveyors to map his extensive lands in northern Virginia. It is recorded that Lord Fairfax engaged George William Fairfax and his friend George Washington to execute land maps of some of his northern holdings. The resulting surveys proved quite satisfactory and, in turn, resulted in steady work for Washington for three years.