George Washington

First President 1789-1797

Born: February 22, 1732 in Pope's Creek (now Wakefield), Westmoreland County, Virginia

Education: Schooled at home, studied mathematics, and trained in surveying.

Occupation: Surveyor, soldier (officer in the Virginia militia), planter. Led troops under General Braddock in French and Indian Wars; named head of Continental Armies in 1775, led the major battles of the Revolution and accepted British surrender at Yorktown in 1781. Retired from the Army in 1783.

Religion: Episcopalian

Family Life: Married Martha Dandridge Custis, a widow with two living children in 1759. The Washington's had no children. Martha died of "severe fever" on May 22, 1802.

Political Career: Became a member of Virginia House of Burgesses in 1758, and gradually became active in colonial politics. Delegate to Continental Congress, 1774-75, and elected Commander-in-Chief of its Revolutionary Army. After the War, he became involved in the organization of our new federal government; presided over Constitutional Convention; unanimously elected first president in 1789. He was re-elected without opposition in 1792, and refused a third term in 1796, to retire to Mount Vernon.

Highlights of His Presidency: Established the Bank of the United States and a postal system, created West Point, put down the Whiskey Rebellion.

Appearance: Tall (6' 2"), powerfully built, sandy hair, blue eyes.

Died: December 14, 1700, at Mount Vernon, Virginia, of laryngitis, age 67.

Buried: Both George and Martha lie buried in an unpretentious tomb at Mount Vernon.

 Famous Words: "I walk as it were on untrodden ground." ~ said as beginning his duty as first President of the United States.

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