The Legacy of Billy Lee

This is a story about the life and times of William "Billy" Lee. This is the story of an American hero. William "Billy" Lee was filled with concern as he walked up the lane with his brother to their new home at the Mount Vernon plantation in the fall of 1767. He was a 16-year-old enslaved person. His thoughts swirled through his mind: How would he be treated? What would the family be like? What would he do here? Where would he sleep? Would he make any friends? Would he ever be given his freedom? He could not have imagined that he would become a witness to the birth of a nation, a personal aide to George Washington, and an American hero.

The story includes real dates and events in the life of Billy Lee. Information about enslaved people is missing from history. In some places, the author used his imagination to share details.