George Washington
George Washington was the first President of the United States and commander of the Continental Army, born in Westmoreland County, Virginia.
- Profession
- President, General, Statesman
- Born
- February 22, 1732
- Years active
- 1752–1799
Early life
Born on a Westmoreland County plantation in 1732, Washington trained as a surveyor and served as a Virginia militia officer during the French and Indian War.
Career
He commanded the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolution, presided over the 1787 Constitutional Convention, and served two terms as the nation's first president from 1789 to 1797.
Major achievements
Revered as the "Father of His Country," he set enduring precedents for the presidency, including the peaceful transfer of power and a voluntary two-term limit.
Legacy
Washington remains the archetype of American civic leadership, memorialized in the nation's capital, its currency and countless place names.
References
Frequently asked questions about George Washington
- What is George Washington known for?
- George Washington was the first President of the United States and commander of the Continental Army, born in Westmoreland County, Virginia. George Washington is recognized as a president, general, and statesman.
- Where is George Washington from?
- George Washington is from Popes Creek, Virginia.
- When was George Washington born?
- George Washington was born on February 22, 1732, in Popes Creek, Virginia.
- Is George Washington still active?
- George Washington was professionally active from 1752 to 1799.
Related personalities
Sam Houston
Politician · Military
Sam Houston, the general who won Texas independence and became its first elected president, was born in Rockbridge County, Virginia.
William Henry Harrison
Politician · Military
William Henry Harrison, ninth U.S. president and hero of Tippecanoe, was born at Berkeley Plantation in Charles City County, Virginia.
Zachary Taylor
Politician · Military
Zachary Taylor, the twelfth U.S. president and a career soldier known as "Old Rough and Ready," was born in Orange County, Virginia.
Carter Glass
Politician
Carter Glass, a U.S. senator and architect of the Federal Reserve, was born in Lynchburg, Virginia.