George Washington

George Washington (February 22, 1732–December 14, 1799) was an American planter, political figure, and military leader. Born of English descent into a moderately wealthy family in the Province of Virginia, Washington worked as a surveyor before inheriting his half-brother's plantation, Mount Vernon.

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February 22 - 1732 - December 14 - 1799 - American planter - Political figure - Military - English - Province of Virginia - Surveyor - Plantation - Mount Vernon

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Washington first gained prominence as an officer during the French and Indian War, a war which he inadvertently helped to start. Afterwards, he resigned his post to marry Martha Dandridge Custis, a wealthy widow with two children. He was elected to the House of Burgesses and became a revolutionary leader at the outset of the American Revolution, attending both the first and second Continental Congresses. Washington was appointed Commander in Chief of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War (1775–83), leading the Americans to victory over the British. After the war he served as president of the 1787 Constitutional Convention.

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French and Indian War - Martha Dandridge Custis - House of Burgesses - American Revolution - Continental Congress - Commander in Chief - Continental Army - American Revolutionary War - 1775 - 83 - 1787 - Constitutional Convention

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Washington, a hugely popular and generally nonpartisan figure, was elected as the first President of the United States (1789–97) after the U.S. Constitution was adopted. The two-term Washington Administration was marked by the establishment of key American institutions that continue to operate. After his term was up, Washington retired to Mount Vernon for the remainder of his life, again voluntarily relinquishing power even as some wanted him to retain that power for life. Because of his central role in the founding of the United States and enduring legacy, Washington is sometimes called the "Father of his Country."

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President of the United States - 1789 - 97 - U.S. Constitution - Washington Administration - Father of his Country

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