George Washington
1732 - 1799

First US President George Washington never lived in the White House. Neither did he wear a wig. But he did have a neat handwriting.

George was called the Father of His Country. He worked as a farmer and cattle breeder. Those were the days.

Standing six feet two inches tall (188 cm), equipped with courage, discipline, common sense, and modesty, he was a fine gentleman with dedication and loyalty for the American cause.

GEORGE WASHINGTON'S FAMILY
George's father was Augustine Washington. Augustine had four children by his first wife, Jane Butler, and six children by his second wife, Mary Ball. George's mother was Mary Ball.

In 1759, George married Martha Dandridge (1731-1802), widow of Daniel Parke Custis. She was the mother of two living and two dead children.

George did not have any children of his own. However, he had two stepchildren from Martha's first marriage.


EARLY YEARS
Washington was always ashamed that he had so little formal education. He was 20 years old when he inherited Mount Vernon, the 8,000 acre family estate. Washington's marriage added his wife's large estate to his own. He later acquired additional lands.

Although without any kind of military training, Washington sought a position in the Virginia militia.

THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR 1754 - 1763
In the upper Ohio River valley colonial rivalry between France and England came to a head. The young George Washington was sent to the French quarter with the order for the French to withdraw. War ensued and the opening fight at Fort Necessity was the only time Washington ever surrendered in battle.

In 1755, George Washington was one of the few survivors of the Battle of the Monongahela.

Map of the Battle of the Monongahela

Here is more about the Fourth French and Indian War.

And here is more about all French and Indian Wars.

AMERICAN WAR OF INDEPENDENCE 1775 - 1783
The colonists felt exploited and hampered by the British Empire, who, in turn, desired a tighter grip on colonial affairs.

In the resulting war, Washington served as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. His famous crossing of the Delaware River marked the turning point in this conflict.

Map of Washington at the Siege of Boston 1776

Here is more about the American War of Independence.

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1789 - 1797
Respected by all states, Washington was inaugurated as first president on April 30, 1789, in New York City, which was then capital of the United States.

Re-elected for a second term, he urged his fellow citizens to remain strictly neutral in international affairs in order not to compromise America's independence.

He died less than three years after his retirement. The cause of his death is disputed. Some say he died of a throat infection, others say of pneumonia or extensive bloodletting.

Washington was followed by John Adams, who became the Second President of the United States in 1797.

THE FIRST FIRST LADY
MARTHA WASHINGTON

GEORGE WASHINGTON'S TIMELINE
1732 February 22 - Birth at Wakefield Farm, Virginia
1748 Assistant surveyor for Lord Fairfax
1749 Official surveyor for Culpeper County
1751 Voyage to Barbados with half-brother Lawrence
1752 Joins Virginia militia
1755 Commander of all Virginia troops
1758 Burgess for Frederick County
1760 Justice Of The Peace for Fairfax County
1775 April 20 - 1776 March 17 - Siege of Boston
1775 July - Commander in Chief of the Continental Army
1789 President of the United States
1797 Return to Mount Vernon
1798 Commander in Chief of the American armies
1799 December 14 - Death at Mount Vernon, Virginia

THE PRESIDENT'S HOUSE
As the White House wasn't ready for occupancy until November 1800, George lived here in Philadelphia.

CAPITALS OF THE UNITED STATES
The first capital of the United States was New York (until 1790). The second capital was Philadelphia (until 1800). The third capital was and still is Washington in the District of Columbia.

Check the US Election Map 1796 - 1968.

Check Governments in History Chart.

And here is the George Washington timeline.