George Washington Biography: The Founding Father, First President, and American Legend

George Washington (Born: February 22, 1732), was a Founding Father, military leader, and the first president of the United States. He is known as the “Father of His Country” for leading the American Revolution and shaping the new nation. Washington’s courage, honesty, and leadership made him a hero to Americans and people worldwide.

George Washington Wiki/Bio

Physical Details

Early Life

George Washington was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He grew up on his family’s tobacco plantation. His father, Augustine Washington, died when George was 11, and his mother, Mary Ball Washington, raised him. His older half-brother, Lawrence, was like a father to him and taught him about life.

George did not go to college but learned math, reading, and surveying at home. He loved the outdoors and became a surveyor at age 15, mapping land for the Fairfax family. At 20, he inherited Mount Vernon, a large estate, after Lawrence died.

References: Britannica, Mount Vernon

Education

George never went to a formal school or college. He was taught at home by tutors and his family. He studied math, surveying, and business. Later, he read books on history and philosophy to educate himself. He wished he had learned French and Latin but became successful without them.

Family Details

George’s father was a tobacco planter, and his mother ran the family farm after his father’s death. He had five younger siblings and three older half-siblings from his father’s first marriage. In 1759, he married Martha Custis, a wealthy widow. They had no children together, but George raised Martha’s two children, Jacky and Patsy, as his own. They lived at Mount Vernon, where George loved farming.

Special Facts About George Washington

• He started working as a surveyor at age 15 and bought land by age 20.
• He survived two horses being shot from under him during a battle in 1755.
• Washington crossed the icy Delaware River in 1776 to surprise enemies at Trenton.
• He freed his slaves in his will, a rare act for his time.
• He never lived in the White House; it was built after his presidency.
• Washington was a Freemason and joined a lodge in 1752.
• The cherry tree story about his honesty was made up by a writer named Mason Weems.
• He was called “Town Destroyer” by some Native American tribes for his military actions.

References: History.com

Achievements

• Led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolution (1783).
• Became the first U.S. president, serving two terms (1789–1797).
• Presided over the Constitutional Convention in 1787, helping create the U.S. Constitution.
• Set the two-term limit for presidents, followed until 1940.
• Named the capital city, Washington, D.C., in his honor.

Career Highlights

George Washington began his career as a surveyor at age 15, mapping land in Virginia. In 1752, he joined the Virginia militia and fought in the French and Indian War (1754–1763). He led the Continental Army during the American Revolution (1775–1783), winning key battles like Trenton and Yorktown. After the war, he helped write the U.S. Constitution in 1787. He became the first president in 1789, serving two terms. He set many rules for how presidents should act, like staying neutral in foreign wars and creating a cabinet of advisors. After retiring, he returned to Mount Vernon to farm.

References: National Museum of the U.S. Army, Miller Center

Career Start

Washington was one of the richest men in America. He owned Mount Vernon, an 8,000-acre estate, and other lands. He made money from farming tobacco, wheat, and fishing. He also earned from surveying and a military pension. His wealth came with owning over 600 slaves, which is a controversial part of his life.

References: Mount Vernon

Controversies and Challenges

Washington faced many challenges. He owned over 600 slaves and signed the Fugitive Slave Act in 1793, which allowed owners to recapture escaped slaves. He chased an escaped slave, Ona Judge, in 1796. He also ordered harsh punishments in the army, like whipping deserters. His actions against Native Americans, like the Sullivan Expedition in 1779, destroyed many villages, earning him the name “Town Destroyer.” During his presidency, he faced fights between his advisors, Hamilton and Jefferson, over how to run the country.

References: White House Historical Association

Social Contributions

Washington helped build the United States. He kept the army under civilian control, ensuring democracy. His leadership at the Constitutional Convention created a strong government. As president, he supported religious freedom and spoke against prejudice. His Farewell Address in 1796 warned against political parties and foreign wars, guiding the nation’s future.

Recent Updates

• In 2025, Mount Vernon opened a new exhibit on Washington’s leadership, focusing on his role in the Revolution.
• Historians continue to debate his legacy, praising his leadership but criticizing his slave ownership.
• A 2024 book, “Washington’s Moral Code,” explores his views on honesty and duty.
• His distillery at Mount Vernon produced a limited-edition rye whiskey in 2025, sold out quickly.

References: Mount Vernon

Lifestyle and Favorites

Legacy

Washington is remembered as a great leader who built America. His face is on the one-dollar bill and Mount Rushmore. He showed how to give up power peacefully, setting an example for democracy. But his ownership of slaves and actions against Native Americans are criticized today. His life shows both heroism and flaws.

References: Miller Center

Connect with George Washington’s Legacy

• Website: mountvernon.org
• Visit: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Virginia
• Museum: National Museum of the U.S. Army, Fort Belvoir, Virginia

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