George Washington

George Washington, in office from 1789 to 1797, was the first President of the United States and the Commander-In-Chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783.

Fast Facts

1. Born: February 22, 1732
2. First U.S. president
3. Political party: Federalist
4. Religion: Episcopalian
5. Wife: Martha Washington
6. Died: December 14, 1799

Early life

George Washington was the son of planter and iron miner Augustine Washington and his second wife, Mary Ball. George Washington was the eldest of his father's six children, though he had two older brothers from his mother's first marriage. When he was 16, Washington became a surveyor.¹

Revolution

During the second Continental Congress, Washington was appointed general of the Continental Army. Despite early difficulties and much hardship, his leadership brought about victory for the emerging United States.

First President

In 1789, Washington was unanimously elected President by the Electoral College of the United States.² Despite requests that he serve a third term as President³, he left at the end of his second term in 1797 and retired to Mount Vernon, where he remained until his death in 1799.

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