In September of 1751, George Washington and his older half-brother, Lawrence, sailed for the island of Barbados in the hopes that the warm climate would improve Lawrence's failing health. Arriving in December, they stayed only one month. Despite the wonder and excitement of his first and only travel outside of the country, the trip was also bittersweet for young Washington. It was one of the last occasions he saw his brother alive. This specimen of Gorgonia Ventalina, or "fan coral," was taken as a reminder of his trip and possibly served as a memorial to Lawrence.