The life and times of the first President of the United States of America.
U.S. Presidents
Early Years
Our first president was born at Pope's Creek Plantation in Westmoreland County, Virginia on February 22, 1732. He had four younger siblings and was schooled at home, often tutored by his two older half-brothers. Trained as a surveyor, at the age of sixteen George Washington helped survey Shenandoah lands for Thomas, Lord Fairfax. Whether the old tale about chopping down the cherry tree in his father's orchard is true or not, George Washington the man was certainly governed by a strict code of morals and manners befitting an 18th century Virginia planter gentleman.
Military Aspirations and Early Career
George Washington became a lieutenant colonel in the British army in 1754, and served as a leader of colonial militia during the French and Indian War. The following year, as an aide to General Edward Braddock, George Washington proved his bravery as an officer when two horses were shot from under him and four bullets ripped his coat. Between the years 1759 to the outbreak of the American Revolution, George Washington lived a quiet life with his wife Martha Dandridge Custis Washington while he maintained his property at Mount Vernon and served in the Virginia House of Burgesses.
Commander In Chief
In May of 1775, the Second Continental Congress assembled in Philadelphia, PA, and elected George Washington Commander in Chief of the ragged Continental Army. On July 3, 1775, George Washington took command of his troops, assuming a post he would hold for six arduous years. In 1781, with the help of The French, Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown Heights and the war was officially over.
Presidential Years
After the war, a tired George Washington wanted nothing more than to retire to Mt. Vernon, but he knew that the new nation needed his help. George Washington became a primary force behind the establishment of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 and with the ratification of the new Constitution, he was unanimously elected as the first president of the new Republic!
George Washington's main focus as President was the establishment of a foreign policy. He believed in maintaining neutrality over European issues until the new nation could develop its own strength and power. In his Farewell Address, George Washington warned of "entangling alliances" and called for an America wholly free of foreign attachments.
Death
George Washington enjoyed less than three years of retirement, and died of a throat infection on December 14, 1799. He was buried at his beloved Mount Vernon home and the nation mourned him for many months afterwards.
Related Articles:
