[1] The Hatchet is often ranked as one of the best college newspapers in the United States and has consistently won awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and from the Associated Collegiate Press.

The paper derives its name from the story of U.S. President George Washington (founding father of the university) involving his chopping down a cherry tree with a hatchet.

The city itself took the stance that neither The Hatchet nor its real estate arm qualify as educational organizations under D.C. law.

The publication's mission statement is "to follow, educate, and inform members of The George Washington University and Foggy Bottom communities."

The GW Hatchet publishes 2,500 copies every Monday throughout the school semesters and a special freshman orientation issue during the summer recess.