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George Washington
Historical Figures
George Washington
The first president of the United States who led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolutionary War.
Born
1732
Died
1799
Nationality
American
Profession
Military general
Life Journey & Timeline
Explore 12 key moments that shaped George Washington's extraordinary life and lasting legacy.
1732
1732-02-22
Birth
George Washington Born
•Age 0•Popes Creek, Virginia
George Washington was born to Augustine and Mary Ball Washington on their family estate, Popes Creek, in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He was the eldest of six children from his father's second marriage.
1748
Career
Becomes Surveyor
•Age 16•Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
Washington begins his career as a surveyor, working in the Shenandoah Valley. His skills in mapping and understanding land will later prove invaluable in his military and political careers.
1752
Achievement
Appointed Official Surveyor
•Age 20•Culpeper County, Virginia
George Washington is appointed the official surveyor of Culpeper County, Virginia, marking the beginning of his public service and leadership roles.
1753
Milestone
Commissioned as Major in Virginia Militia
•Age 21•Virginia
Washington is commissioned as a major in the Virginia militia and tasked with delivering a message to French forces in the Ohio Valley, setting the stage for his involvement in the French and Indian War.
1759
Personal
Marries Martha Dandridge Custis
•Age 27•White House Plantation, Virginia
George Washington marries the wealthy widow Martha Dandridge Custis, inheriting her extensive estate and becoming one of the wealthiest men in Virginia. They settle at Mount Vernon.
1775
Achievement
Appointed Commander-in-Chief of Continental Army
•Age 43•Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Second Continental Congress appoints George Washington as Commander-in-Chief of the newly formed Continental Army, a role that will define his military and leadership legacy during the American Revolution.
1781
Achievement
Victory at Yorktown
•Age 49•Yorktown, Virginia
Washington leads the Continental Army to a decisive victory over British forces at the Battle of Yorktown, effectively ending major combat operations in the American Revolution and securing independence.
1783
Milestone
Resigns as Commander-in-Chief
•Age 51•Annapolis, Maryland
After the signing of the Treaty of Paris, George Washington resigns his commission as Commander-in-Chief, setting a precedent for civilian control of the military and returning to private life at Mount Vernon.
1789
Achievement
Elected First President of the United States
•Age 57•New York City, New York
George Washington is unanimously elected by the Electoral College as the first President of the United States, taking office in New York City and establishing many presidential precedents.
1793
Milestone
Delivers First State of the Union Address
•Age 61•New York City, New York
Washington delivers the first State of the Union address to Congress, emphasizing the need for unity and neutrality in foreign affairs amidst European conflicts.
1797
Personal
Retires from Presidency
•Age 65•Mount Vernon, Virginia
After serving two terms, George Washington declines a third and retires to Mount Vernon, setting the precedent for a peaceful transition of power and a two-term limit for presidents.
1799
1799-12-14
Death
Dies at Mount Vernon
•Age 67•Mount Vernon, Virginia
George Washington dies at his home, Mount Vernon, after a brief illness. His death marks the end of an era and he is mourned throughout the young nation and the world.
Major Achievements
Discover the groundbreaking contributions that made George Washington a legendary figure.
1
First President of the United States
2
Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army
3
Founding Father
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Cultural & Historical Context
American
Personality Traits
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AmbitiousRespectableDecisive