By Eric F. Mease

A special, but not unfamiliar visitor graced the grounds and home of Zebulon and Mary Hollingsworth on Saturday July 7th as George Washington visited Historic Elk Landing. Escorted by the New Ark Colonial Fife and Drum Corps under the direction of George Kusel and a unit of the Cecil County Militia, General Washington rode into Elk Landing in a horse drawn carriage accompanied by Mr. Hollingsworth. Before delivering a few remarks to the crowd, the General received a musket salute from the militia and a toast from the Hollingsworths.

Once inside the Hollingsworth home, the General fielded questions from admirers and heard a poetry reading of Phyllis Wheatley poetry from Mary Hollingsworth. Ms. Wheatley was a former 18th century African American slave who sent one of her poems to General Washington. The General thanked Ms. Wheatley for her poetry and complimented her on her work in a lengthy letter.

In an interview with The Landing, General Washington said he was a relatively frequent visitor to Elk Landing. I was here more than a dozen times, the General noted. During the (Revolutionary) war this was a necessity. Elk Landing was a major traveling point. It wasn’t easy traveling, so you went the roads most traveled by and this was it.

Washington, portrayed by Carl Closs of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, pointed out that he made many friends in the Elk Landing area. When I was President, Washington said, I came through this area again and renewed old acquaintances. I certainly knew the Hollingsworths and they accommodated me whenever I came through the area.

Washington said he admired the Hollingsworth home as well. This, by the day’s standards, was a mansion, Washington explained. I stayed here because the Hollingsworths were the dominant family in the area and I knew many of them.

The General visited Elk Landing as part of a 6 stop Living History Tour of Cecil County sponsored by 15 organizations and businesses throughout the county.