Who said “Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.”?

Verified

George Washington. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceLetter to James Madison (2 March 1788)

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Letter to James Madison (2 March 1788).

APA

Washington, G. (n.d.). Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/18568-liberty-when-it-begins-to-take-root-is/

MLA

Washington, George. “Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/18568-liberty-when-it-begins-to-take-root-is/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Washington, George. “Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/18568-liberty-when-it-begins-to-take-root-is/.