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.

Early life

According to the Julian calendar, Washington was born on February 11, 1731; according to the Gregorian calendar, which was adopted during Washington's life and is used today, he was born on February 22, 1732 (Washington's Birthday is celebrated on the Gregorian date).

Related Topics:
Julian calendar - February 11 - 1731 - Gregorian calendar - February 22 - 1732 - Washington's Birthday

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At the time of his birth, the English year began March 25 (Annunciation Day, or Lady Day), hence the difference in his birth year. His birthplace was Pope's Creek Plantation, south of Colonial Beach in Westmoreland County, Virginia.

Related Topics:
March 25 - Annunciation - Lady Day - Colonial Beach - Westmoreland County, Virginia

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Washington was part of the economic and cultural elite of the slave-owning planters of Virginia. His parents Augustine Washington (1693–April 12, 1743) and Mary Ball (1708–August 25, 1789) were of English descent. He spent much of his boyhood at Ferry Farm in Stafford County, near Fredericksburg and visited his Washington cousins at Chotank in King George County. As a youth, he trained as a surveyor (obtaining his certificate from the College of William and Mary) and helped survey the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. He visited Barbados with his sick half brother Lawrence in 1751, and survived an attack of smallpox, although his face was scarred by the disease. He was initiated as a Freemason in Fredericksburg on February 4, 1752. On Lawrence's death in July 1752, he rented and eventually inherited the estate, Mount Vernon in Fairfax County, Virginia (near Alexandria).

Related Topics:
Slave - Virginia - 1693 - April 12 - 1743 - 1708 - August 25 - 1789 - English - Ferry Farm - Stafford County - Fredericksburg - Chotank - Surveyor - College of William and Mary - Shenandoah Valley - Barbados - 1751 - Smallpox - Freemason - February 4 - 1752 - Mount Vernon - Fairfax County, Virginia - Alexandria

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