Instructions
Read the information below about the Lady Washington, and complete the activities that follow.
Lady Washington: A Brief Overview
The Lady Washington was a historic tall ship that played a significant role in American maritime history. Built in 1788 in Whitby, England, she was originally named after George Washington. The ship was used for trade and exploration along the Pacific Coast and became one of the first American vessels to reach the West Coast. Throughout her service, the Lady Washington participated in many notable voyages, including voyages to China and trading expeditions with various Pacific islands.
In 1789, the Lady Washington was primarily involved in the fur trade and acted as a trading vessel for the growing United States. Following her active years in trade, she was later used as a naval training ship and played a part in various historical events that shaped the United States' early maritime history.
Activities
- Vocabulary Builder: Find the meanings of the following words and write them down:
- Maritime
- Expedition
- Vessel
- Trade
- Timeline Activity: Create a timeline of the key events related to the Lady Washington. Include at least three events and what happened in each year.
- Creative Writing: Imagine you are a sailor on the Lady Washington. Write a short diary entry about a day at sea. Describe your feelings, any adventures you experienced, and the sights you saw.
- Discussion Questions: Answer the following questions in complete sentences:
- Why do you think the Lady Washington was important in American history?
- How might the voyages of the Lady Washington have influenced trade and exploration in the United States?
- Research Extender: Find one interesting fact about the Lady Washington that was not mentioned in the overview. Write down what you discovered and why you found it interesting.