As part of the Columbia Expedition seeking valuable otter furs, she left Boston Harbor on October 1, 1787 under command of Robert Gray.

After landing near Tillamook, Oregon in August, 1788, fur trade continued through the winter and spring on and in the vicinity of Vancouver Island.

While there, Kendrick used proceeds from the fur sales to refit the Lady Washington as a two-masted, square-rigged brig (or brigantine).

Lady Washington became the first American vessel to reach Japan[6] in an unsuccessful attempt to move some unsold pelts.

She sails up and down the Pacific coast, educating students in the history of merchant trading, life of common sailors, and responsibilities of the ship's officers.

The current replica's mainmast is rigged with a topgallant sail and topsail above a gaff mainsail, as based on the post-Macau refit configuration.