Biography of George Washington

Biography of George Washington
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Who is George Washington? Childhood

George Washington was the first president of the United States and commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. He was one of the Founding Father of the United States.

George Washington was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland, Virginia to Augustine Washington and Mary Ball Washington. His father was a landowner and plantation owner, due which George spent most of his childhood on the farm. He lost his father when he was only eleven.

He managed the plantation with his mother and supported his family. George was taught at home by private tutors. After the death of his father, his half-brother, Lawrence Washington became his guardian.

School, College

George had an interest in mathematics as a child which helped him to become a surveyor. He completed his formal schooling at the age of fifteen. At the age of sixteen, George started working as a surveyor. He took measurements of new lands and mapped them out in detail.

He was also part of a professional survey team, arranged by William Fairfax, a relative. Because of his work, he traveled a lot and moved to Virginia. His journey into the Virginia forest earned him enough money, with which he acquired land of his own. In 1749, he got a surveyor’s license from the College of William and Mary.

Leader of the Virginia Army, French and Indian wars

By 1705s, the French had started to expand their territory. In 1753, Virginia lieutenant governor, Robert Dinwiddie, sent Washington to Fort LeBoeuf, which is now located in Waterford, Pennsylvania. Washington was given the task to ask the French to leave the area as it was claimed by the British.

He successfully did this job. A few years later, Washington, became a leader of the Virginia army, although he had no prior experienced in the military. He was also included in the French and Indian wars.

Become an Officer and Gentleman Farmer

In 1759, Washington resigned from his job and returned to Mount Vernon. It was a fruitful time for Washington. He expanded his brother’s property in Mount Vernon. He even grew different types of crops such as wheat and corn, fruit orchards and fishery. Washington continuously experimented with new crops and techniques of land conservation.

Later, he was selected to the Virginia House of Burgesses where he served until 1774. The next year, Washington became the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. The British in Boston attacked the area and a war broke out. The war lasted for eight long years, but Washington proved to be a great general.

Fight against British Soldiers, National Hero

 Throughout the war, he motivated his ill-trained and ill-equipped troops. His army mostly consisted of farmers Washington’s army of farmers fought against trained British Soldiers. His army eventually gained a victory over the British.

One of their most courageous feats was the crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas, leading to the ultimate victory at Yorktown, Virginia. The British Army was defeated at Yorktown in 1781. After the war ended, Washington became a national hero.

America’s First President

Washington remained commander-in-chief until the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783. It satisfied the under-paid Continental Army. With this treaty, Washington wanted the Continental Congress to pay proper compensation to army people.

After the conflicts were resolved, Washington resumed the life of a plantation owner. But he also continued to be involved in national politics.

In 1789, Washington was selected as the first president of the United States. He served as president for two terms, and it was a peaceful time for the country.

Future of United States

He established the duties of future presidents of the United States which continue stand today. He played a significant role in building the Constitution. He also established the first president cabinet during his term.

The cabinet included his friends Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of state, and Alexander Hamilton, secretary of the treasury. He remained president for eight years. However, Washington felt that the country needed a president who was not too powerful and would not rule like a king over many years.

George Washington’s Retirement to Mount Vernon and Death

Washington married Martha Dandridge, a widow with two children in 1759. Washington died on December 14, 1799 in his home at Mount Vernon, after he suffered from a bad cold and throat infection. He left a lasting legacy as the ‘Father of the Country’. He has one of the most enduring legacies of any American in history.