CHIPLEY — Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a statue of George Washington in Washington County, the ninth installation in a statewide initiative placing Founding Father monuments in Florida counties that bear their names, as part of the state’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.
“Nobody was more consequential in establishing our nation than George Washington,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Today in Chipley, I was proud to unveil a new statue of Washington in the Florida county that bears his name. We honor Washington as the embodiment of civic virtue, and we will continue working to ensure that future generations embrace America’s founding principles.”
Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd framed the monument as a civic obligation. “George Washington’s example of principled leadership and service before self continues to guide our nation’s civic virtue,” Byrd said. “This statue will serve as a reminder for generations to come of the duty, responsibility, and the public service we owe to our country.”
The statue honors Washington’s role as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and as the nation’s first president, whose voluntary decision to relinquish power set the precedent for peaceful transfers of authority. Florida has placed similar statues of Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Ronald Reagan, Frederick Douglass, and Calvin Coolidge as part of its broader America 250 Florida initiative.
“The father of our country takes his rightful place in Washington County as part of Florida’s Founding Father statue series, celebrating America 250,” said Bryan Griffin, president and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. “With these monuments, many other historic landmarks, and dozens of big events planned, Florida is the perfect place to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday.”
Alongside the unveiling, DeSantis announced the Florida Freedom Tour, a mobile history museum initiative launching May 1 and running through Aug. 1. Two repurposed 18-wheelers will be transformed into traveling museums featuring exhibits and artifacts from the Museum of Florida History, visiting schools, community events, and major gatherings across all 67 Florida counties. The state also announced the upcoming release of “America 250: A Portrait of Florida,” a seven-episode docuseries featuring St. Augustine, Pensacola, Tallahassee, Cape Canaveral, Tampa, Key West, Miami, and the Everglades.
Floridians can find information on events, exhibits, heritage sites, and participation opportunities at America250FL.com. The Freedom Tour’s first stops are expected when the mobile museums begin rolling out May 1.