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.

Legacy

Washington peacefully relinquished the presidency to John Adams after serving two terms in office. Only one president since Washington has exceeded this tenure (Franklin Delano Roosevelt was elected four times), and the Constitution was subsequently amended by the Twenty-second Amendment to set an express two-term limit upon future presidents. Washington set many other precedents that established tranquility in the presidential office in the years to come and is generally regarded by historians as one of the greatest presidents. He was also lauded posthumously as the "Father of His Country" and is often considered to be the most important of the United States' "Founding Fathers." Therefore, he has been commemorated frequently. Americans often refer to men in other nations considered the Father of their Country as "the George Washington of his nation" (for example, this title is used for Mahatma Gandhi's role in India).

Related Topics:
John Adams - Franklin Delano Roosevelt - Twenty-second Amendment - Generally regarded by historians as one of the greatest presidents - Father of His Country - Founding Father - Father of their Country - Mahatma Gandhi - India

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Perhaps the most pervasive commemoration of his legacy is the use of his image on the one dollar bill and the quarter-dollar coin. The image used on the dollar bill is derived from a famous portrait of him painted by Gilbert Stuart, itself one of the most notable works of early American art.

Related Topics:
One dollar bill - Quarter-dollar coin - Gilbert Stuart

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The capital city of the United States, Washington, D.C., is named for him. The District of Columbia was created by an Act of Congress in 1790, and Washington was deeply involved in its creation, including the siting of the White House. The Washington Monument, one of the most well-known landmarks in the city, was built in his honor. The George Washington University, also in D.C., was named after him, and it was founded in part with shares Washington bequeathed to an endowment to create a national university in Washington.

Related Topics:
Washington, D.C. - District of Columbia - Act of Congress - White House - Washington Monument - The George Washington University

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The only state named for a president is the state of Washington in the U.S. Pacific Northwest.

Related Topics:
Washington - Pacific Northwest

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Washington selected West Point, New York, as the site for the United States Military Academy. The United States Navy has named three ships after Washington.

Related Topics:
West Point - New York - United States Military Academy - United States Navy - Named three ships

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Other examples include the George Washington Bridge, which extends between New York City and New Jersey, and the palm tree genus Washingtonia is also named after him.

Related Topics:
George Washington Bridge - New York City - New Jersey - Palm tree - Washingtonia

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See also: List of places named for George Washington

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