George Washington

George Washington (February 22, 1732 O.S. February 11, 1731 – December 14, 1799) was a Founding Father and the first president of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797. He led Patriot forces to victory in the American Revolutionary War against the British Empire. He is often called the Father of His Country for helping to bring about American independence.

Born in the Colony of Virginia, Washington became the commander of the Virginia Regiment during the French and Indian War (1754–1763). When the American Revolutionary War began in 1775, he was chosen commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. Washington led his troops through many difficulties, including early wins and later losses, before helping to win American independence.

Washington was chosen by everyone to be the first U.S. president by the Electoral College in 1788 and 1792. He set important examples for the office of president, such as the two-term tradition and the need for national unity. Washington's legacy is still remembered, and he is often called one of the greatest presidents in American history.

Early life (1732–1752)

Further information: Washington family

George Washington was born on February 22, 1732, at Popes Creek in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He was one of six children of Augustine and Mary Ball Washington. His family moved several times. After his father's death, George inherited a small plantation called Ferry Farm.

Washington did not have a formal education like his older brothers, but he learned important skills such as mathematics, land surveying, and drawing maps. He also learned how to behave politely in society. Later, he traveled to Barbados with his sick brother and survived smallpox.

Colonial military career (1752–1758)

Lawrence Washington's service inspired George to seek a militia commission. Virginia's lieutenant governor, Robert Dinwiddie, appointed Washington as a major and commander of one of the militia districts. The British and French were competing for control of the Ohio River Valley.

In October 1753, Dinwiddie appointed Washington as a special envoy to ask the French to leave land claimed by the British. Washington met with leaders of the Iroquois Confederacy and delivered his message to the French at Fort Le Boeuf. Though the French refused to leave, Washington completed his mission.

During the French and Indian War, Washington led troops in several battles. In May 1754, his small force faced a French group, which caused tension between the British and French. Later that year, he surrendered Fort Necessity after a French attack. In 1755, he helped care for soldiers after a battle. Though he faced challenges, Washington gained valuable leadership experience during these years.

Marriage, civilian and political life (1759–1775)

On January 6, 1759, George Washington married Martha Dandridge Custis. She was a widow who was smart and good at managing estates. They lived at Mount Vernon, where Washington grew tobacco and wheat. Their marriage made Washington one of the richest men in Virginia.

Washington was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses and became more active in politics in the 1760s. He spoke out against Britain’s unfair taxes on the American colonies. He supported not buying British goods and helped prepare militias in Virginia as tensions with Britain grew.

Commander in chief of the army (1775–1783)

Further information: Military career of George Washington

The American Revolutionary War began in April 1775. George Washington left his home to join the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia. On June 14, Congress created the Continental Army and chose Washington to lead it. He accepted and began organizing his team.

Washington faced many challenges, including training his troops and dealing with shortages. He led his army through many battles, including the Siege of Boston. Later, his army had tough times, but Washington kept his forces together. His surprise attack on Trenton in December 1776 helped his soldiers feel stronger. The war continued, but Washington remained a steady leader. The war ended when British forces surrendered at Yorktown, Virginia in 1781, and Washington later stepped down from his leadership role.

Early republic (1783–1789)

Further information: Confederation Period and Articles of Confederation

After the war ended in 1783, George Washington went back to his home at Mount Vernon. He was glad to be away from public work. He improved his estate and visited his land far away.

In 1787, Washington helped at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. He was chosen to lead the meeting. He helped the delegates write a new constitution for the country. His support was important for creating the document that shaped the United States government. In 1789, Washington was elected as the first president of the United States.

Main article: Constitutional Convention (United States)

Main article: 1788–1789 United States presidential election

Presidency (1789–1797)

Main article: Presidency of George Washington

George Washington became the first president of the United States in 1789. He was sworn in in New York City and asked for guidance in a speech. Washington worked hard to set good examples for the new government. He started important departments, like the State, War, and Treasury Departments, and chose leaders for them.

Washington tried to stay neutral and not pick sides in arguments. In his second term, starting in 1793, he faced many problems. He said the United States would stay out of foreign wars. He also worked to solve issues at home, like taxes some people disliked. He made treaties to improve trade and relations with other countries. In 1796, near the end of his time as president, Washington gave a farewell address. He talked about the importance of unity, staying out of foreign wars, and the value of religion and morality.

Post-presidency (1797–1799)

Further information: Post-presidency of George Washington

When George Washington stopped being president in 1797, he went back to Mount Vernon. He worked on his farm and built a distillery to make whiskey. He also bought and sold land, especially near the new capital city called Washington, D.C., which was named after him.

George Washington died on December 14, 1799, after being sick for a short time. People all over the country were very sad about his death. He was buried at Mount Vernon.

Philosophy and views

Further information: Slavery in the colonial United States, Slavery in the United States, and Abolitionism in the United States

George Washington grew up when slavery was normal in Virginia, and he owned many slaves. As he got older, he started to think slavery was wrong. He didn’t speak about it when he was president, but privately he wanted to free slaves slowly. When he died, he freed all the slaves he owned, which was rare at the time.

Main article: Religious views of George Washington

Washington was raised in the Anglican faith. He prayed every day and read the Bible. He believed in a higher power that helped guide the country. He didn’t talk about religion much in public, but he supported everyone’s right to practice their own religion. He was also a member of the Freemasons, a group that stood for good values and was popular then.

Personal life

George Washington and his wife Martha did not have children together. They raised Martha's two children, John Parke Custis and Martha Parke Custis, and two of Jacky's children, Eleanor Parke Custis and George Washington Parke Custis. Washington was very tall, standing between 6 feet and 6 feet 3.5 inches. He had grey-blue eyes and long reddish-brown hair, which he wore curled, powdered, and tied in a queue.

Washington had many health problems, including severe tooth decay. Because of this, he lost most of his teeth. During his presidency, he wore false teeth made from materials like metal, ivory, bone, animal teeth, and possibly human teeth. He was a very good horseman. Blueskin and Nelson were his favorite horses.

Legacy

Further information: Legacy of George Washington and Historical rankings of presidents of the United States

See also: Cultural depictions of George Washington

George Washington is one of the most important people in American history. He helped lead America when it was new and became its first president. Many people think he was a great leader and hero. He helped America become free from Britain.

Many places are named after Washington. The capital city, Washington, D.C., and the state of Washington are named for him. There is a tall Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. His face is on money, like the one-dollar bill and some coins, and on many stamps.