George Washington

George Washington

George Washington, (born February 22, 1732, Westmoreland county, Virginia [U.S.]—died December 14, 1799, Mount Vernon, Virginia, U.S.), American general and commander in chief of the colonial armies in the American Revolution (1775–83) and subsequently first president of the United States (1789–97).

George Washington (February 22, 1732-April 14, 1799) was commander in chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution and served two terms as the first U.S. president from 1789 to 1797.

Born into a wealthy Virginia planter family, George Washington learned surveying and mapping at a young age, and worked briefly in that field. He went on to serve in the French and Indian War, commanding an expedition to the Ohio River Valley that ended in surrender. He resigned his commission and married Martha Dandridge Custis, one of Virginia’s wealthiest widows.

During the American Revolution, he led the Continental Army to victory over the British. He presided over the Constitutional Convention in 1787 that drafted the U.S. Constitution, and later became America’s first president.

Realizing how his conduct in office would set a precedent for future presidents, Washington handed down a legacy of strength, integrity and national purpose. Less than three years after leaving office, he died at his Virginia plantation, Mount Vernon.

As the first person to hold the title, George Washington defined what the U.S. presidency meant, and set many important precedents that continue to have an important impact to this day.

The first president also established the first Cabinet, as well as the first National Thanksgiving Day.

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