George's great-grandfather, John Washington came to live in America by accident. He was mate on a small English ship that went aground in the Potomac River in 1656 or 1657. By the time the ship was repaired, he had decided to marry and settle in Virginia. He started with little money. Within 20 years he owned more than 5,000 acres (2,000 hectares), including the land that later became Mount Vernon. Lawrence Washington (1659-1698), the eldest son of John, was the grandfather of George.