Thirty years ago, the historic site of George Washington’s childhood home in Virginia came close to being transformed into a Walmart Supercenter, until local residents rallied to save the property. Known as Ferry Farm, the site was purchased by the retail giant in 1996 for a proposed development, prompting concerns among community members about the loss of an important piece of American history. Residents organised campaigns, raised awareness and eventually collected $2.2 million to buy back the land. The property was subsequently donated to the George Washington Foundation, preserving the site where the first US president spent much of his childhood.
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