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George Washington 1732 - 1799

George Washington of Mount Vernon, Fairfax County, Virginia United States was born on February 22, 1732 at Pope's Creek Estate in Colonial Beach, Westmoreland County. George was baptized on April 5, 1732 at Little Hunting Creek Church in Fairfax County. He was married to Martha Parke Custis on January 6, 1759, and they were together until George's death on December 14, 1799. George Washington was buried on December 18, 1799 at Mount Vernon, Fairfax County, Virginia.

George Washington

Mount Vernon, Fairfax County, Virginia United States

February 22, 1732

Pope's Creek Estate in Colonial Beach, Westmoreland County, Virginia, United States of America

December 14, 1799

Mount Vernon in Fairfax County, Virginia, United States of AMerica

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George Washington's History: 1732 - 1799

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Introduction

George Washington was the first President of the United States, a hero of the American Revolution, and one of the most important figures in American history. He is widely recognized as one of the founding fathers of the United States and is remembered for his integrity, leadership, and his role in shaping the nation. Washington was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia, to Augustine and Mary Ball Washington. He grew up on a farm in Virginia and received a basic education. He also learned the trade of surveying, which would prove to be a valuable skill in his future endeavors. As a young man, Washington began his career in public service as a surveyor and land agent for the wealthy Fairfax family. In 1752, he joined the Virginia militia and fought in the French and Indian War. His bravery and leadership skills earned him a commission as a colonel and helped him gain the respect of his fellow soldiers. After the war, Washington returned to his plantation in Virginia and began his political career. He was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses and quickly became a vocal advocate for colonial rights. He was also a member of the Continental Congress and was appointed as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. During the war, Washington's leadership and strategic skills proved crucial to the success of the American cause. He led the Continental Army to several key victories, including the Battle of Trenton and the Battle of Yorktown. After the war, he retired from the military and returned to his plantation in Virginia. In 1787, Washington was elected as the presiding officer of the Constitutional Convention and played a critical role in the drafting of the United States Constitution. He was unanimously elected as the first President of the United States in 1789, a position he held for two terms. As President, he helped establish many of the traditions and institutions of the federal government, and set important precedents for future presidents to follow. Washington is best remembered for his leadership and integrity, and his contributions to the founding of the United States. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest American patriots and an important figure in world history. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Americans, and his name remains synonymous with honor, courage, and patriotism.
02/22

1732

Birthday

February 22, 1732

Birthdate

Pope's Creek Estate in Colonial Beach, Westmoreland County, Virginia United States of America

Birthplace

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Ethnicity & Family History

George Washington's heritage was English, as his family came from England and had lived in the British colonies for several generations. Washington's father, Augustine Washington, was a wealthy planter and his mother, Mary Ball Washington, was from a prominent Virginia family. George was the eldest of their six children, and he had three half-siblings from his father's first marriage. Washington's family played a significant role in the development of Virginia and the American colonies. His great-grandfather, John Washington, was one of the early settlers of Virginia and a member of the House of Burgesses. His father, Augustine, was a successful planter and served as a justice of the peace, a sheriff, and a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. Washington's family was also involved in the slave trade and owned slaves, which was common among Virginia planters at the time. Washington himself owned hundreds of slaves during his lifetime, although he became increasingly critical of the institution of slavery later in life and took steps to ensure that his own slaves would be freed upon his death. Despite his family's wealth and status, Washington was not born into a noble or aristocratic family, and he had to work hard to establish himself as a leader in colonial Virginia. His achievements in the military and in politics helped him to gain recognition and respect, and he eventually became one of the most important figures in American history.
Nationality & Locations

George lived and visited many locations throughout his lifetime. He was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, where he spent much of his early childhood. As a young man, Washington traveled extensively through the British colonies in North America, including Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. He also spent some time in the Caribbean, visiting Barbados with his half-brother Lawrence in 1751. Later in life, Washington lived at Mount Vernon, his plantation in Fairfax County, Virginia, which he inherited from his half-brother Lawrence. He lived there for most of his adult life, managing the plantation and overseeing its many slaves. Washington also spent a significant amount of time in Philadelphia, which served as the capital of the United States during his presidency. He lived in several different locations in the city during his time as president, including the President's House at 6th and Market Streets. In addition to these locations, Washington also visited a number of other places during his lifetime, including Boston, New York, and Charleston. Of course, he traveled extensively throughout the United States during his presidency.
Early Life & Education

George Washington's education was not extensive by modern standards, but it was typical for someone of his social class and time period. He did not attend grade school, as formal public education did not exist in the colonies at the time. As a child, Washington was homeschooled by his mother, Mary Ball Washington, and a tutor named Lawrence Muse. They taught him basic reading, writing, and arithmetic skills, as well as some geography and history. Washington later wrote that he received a "common English education" that was "scanty" at best. Washington's education continued as he became more involved in politics and military affairs. He was a voracious reader, and he studied military strategy and tactics on his own. He also corresponded with a number of intellectuals and politicians, including Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, and learned from their ideas and experiences. Despite his lack of formal education, Washington was a skilled politician and leader. He was known for his calm demeanor, his ability to inspire his troops, and his commitment to his ideals. He was also a shrewd negotiator and strategist, and he played a key role in the American Revolution and the formation of the United States. In summary, while George Washington did not attend grade school, high school, or college, he received a basic education from his mother and a tutor. He continued to educate himself throughout his life, reading extensively and learning from his experiences and the ideas of others. This education, combined with his natural talents and leadership abilities, allowed him to become a successful politician and military leader.
04/5

1732

Baptism

April 5, 1732
Baptism date
Little Hunting Creek Church in Fairfax County, Virginia United States
Place of worship
Religious Beliefs

George Washington was a religious man and a Freemason which means that he believed in God. Although his specific beliefs and practices are a matter of some debate among historians. Washington was a member of the Anglican Church, which was the established church in Virginia during his lifetime. However, he was not particularly devout, and he did not often attend church services. Washington was baptized as an infant in the Anglican Church, which was the standard practice in colonial Virginia at the time. His baptism took place on April 5, 1732, at the Little Hunting Creek Church in Virginia, which was later renamed the Pohick Church. The church was located near Mount Vernon, Washington's home, and he later served as a vestryman there. As an adult, Washington's religious beliefs became more private and less formal. He did not attend church regularly, although he did occasionally attend services when he felt it was important to do so. He also spoke about the importance of morality and religious toleration in public speeches and writings. Despite his relatively private religious beliefs, Washington's faith was an important part of his public persona, particularly during the American Revolution. He frequently invoked God and divine providence in his speeches and writings, and he encouraged his troops to attend religious services and observe days of fasting and prayer.
Military Service

George Washington was one of the most important military figures in American history. His military career began during the French and Indian War, when he served as a colonel in the Virginia militia. He later became the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, and led the colonies to victory against the British. Here is a biography focused on his military service: Early Military Career: In 1753, Washington was sent by the governor of Virginia to deliver a message to the French demanding that they leave the Ohio Valley. The French refused, and Washington returned to Virginia to raise a force to confront them. In 1754, Washington led a force of about 150 men against a French detachment in what is now western Pennsylvania. The resulting skirmish, known as the Battle of Jumonville Glen, marked the beginning of the French and Indian War. Despite some early setbacks, Washington gained valuable experience in the French and Indian War and became a respected military leader. The Revolutionary War: When the American Revolution began in 1775, Washington was appointed commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. He faced significant challenges, including a lack of training, resources, and supplies. Washington's leadership was crucial in keeping the army together during the difficult winter at Valley Forge in 1777-1778. He also led successful campaigns in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including the Battles of Trenton and Princeton. Washington's greatest military achievement was the victory at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781. Working with French forces under the command of General Rochambeau, Washington led a siege that forced the surrender of British General Cornwallis and effectively ended the war. Leadership Style and Legacy: Washington was known for his calm demeanor, his ability to inspire his troops, and his commitment to his ideals. He was also a shrewd negotiator and strategist, and he played a key role in the formation of the United States. Washington's leadership style emphasized discipline, training, and respect for the rights of soldiers. He also worked to establish a professional military that would serve the new nation. Washington's legacy as a military leader was celebrated during his lifetime and has continued to this day. He is often considered one of the greatest military figures in American history, and his example has inspired generations of soldiers and leaders.
Professional Career

Washington's military career began during the French and Indian War, when he served as a colonel in the Virginia militia. He later became the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution and led the colonies to victory against the British. After the war, Washington retired to his estate at Mount Vernon but was called back into public service to preside over the Constitutional Convention and serve as the first President of the United States. Washington's political career was marked by his commitment to the principles of liberty and democracy, as well as his belief in the importance of a strong federal government. Business ventures: Washington was a successful farmer and landowner, and he managed several plantations, including Mount Vernon and the Custis estate. He also engaged in a variety of business ventures, including surveying, land speculation, and the shipping and trading of goods. These business activities made him one of the wealthiest men in the colonies, and he used his wealth to support the patriot cause during the American Revolution.
Personal Life & Family

Washington was born to Augustine Washington and his second wife, Mary Ball Washington. He had two older half-brothers, Lawrence and Augustine Jr., and four younger siblings, Samuel, John Augustine, Charles, and Mildred. Only his brother John survived to adulthood. Washington's father died when he was 11 years old, and his older half-brother Lawrence became a father figure to him. Lawrence served as a mentor to George and introduced him to the influential Fairfax family, which played a key role in Washington's career. Washington married Martha Dandridge Custis in 1759, a wealthy widow with two children, John Parke Custis and Martha Parke Custis. The couple did not have any children together, although they raised Martha's two children as their own. Washington was known to be a loving husband and stepfather, and he wrote affectionate letters to Martha when they were apart.
12/14

1799

Death

December 14, 1799

Death date

Unknown
Cause of death

Mount Vernon in Fairfax County, Virginia United States of AMerica
Death location

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12/18

1799

Gravesite & Burial

December 18, 1799

Funeral date
Mount Vernon, Fairfax County, Virginia
Burial location
Obituary

The following original obituary for George Washington was written by the Alexandria Gazette on December 18, 1799, the day after his death. "Died, on Saturday evening last, the illustrious George Washington, General of the American armies, and late President of the United States. After an illness of only twenty-four hours, which he bore with the most perfect resignation and Christian fortitude, he expired, closing a long life of usefulness and glory, which the historian will record with the highest admiration, and which will furnish the most splendid theme for the panegyrist. It has been reserved for our age to witness the annihilation of the prejudices of birth and country, and to see a man raised by merit from the humble station of a private citizen to the head of a great nation. This exaltation of the human character, this unrivaled success in every public and private virtue, has been exemplified in the life of Washington. As a soldier he was brave, as a statesman he was wise, and as a citizen he was virtuous. To each of these characters he brought a capacity of the highest order, and by each of them he has rendered services to his country which will secure to him a grateful remembrance in all future times. It is not for us, who have witnessed his glory, to attempt his eulogium. This belongs to history and to the present age. The grief of the community is great and universal, and it is not easy to say whether it is more honor to the living or to the dead, that the tokens of it are so sincere and spontaneous. On Tuesday last his remains were interred with every mark of respect, in the family vault at Mount Vernon, attended by a numerous concourse of citizens, among whom were many of the officers of the late army, the members of the Masonic fraternity, of which society the deceased was an ornament and a member of high rank, and by a detachment of cavalry and artillery from the garrison of Fort Washington, who fired a salute over the grave of their beloved chief. The scene was solemn and impressive, and calculated to inspire the most exalted emotions of piety and patriotism. The loss of such a man is a public calamity, and his memory will be revered while liberty and the rights of man shall have friends on earth." This obituary is one of the earliest and most influential sources for the public's understanding of George Washington's death and legacy. It helped to cement his reputation as a great leader and a man of exceptional character, and it set the tone for the many tributes and memorials that followed in the wake of his passing.

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9 Memories, Stories & Photos about George

Washington / painted by Cogniet, 1836 ; engraved by...

AncientFaces

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02/20/2023

Washington / painted by Cogniet, 1836 ; engraved by...

George Washington, full-length portrait, standing on bunker, facing slightly left, wearing military uniform, aide with horse in near background, view of port in distance.

From the original painting by G. Stuart, in the Athenæum of Boston, painted by the artist Leon Cogniet (1794-1880).

Date & Place: 1839

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AncientFaces

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02/17/2023

The Inauguration of George Washington

A drawing of the inauguration of George Washington as the first President of the United States, April 30th, 1789, at the old city hall, New York. The drawing was done in 1876.

Date & Place: 1876

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AncientFaces

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02/17/2023

George Washington, First President

This is a painting of the first President of the United States, George Washington, which was saved from the Capitol fire in 1814, during the War of 1812.

Date & Place: Not specified or unknown.

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