George Washington
1732-1799
First president of the United States
George Washington was a military leader of the American War of Independence and the first president of the United States. The son of a Virginia tobacco planter, he fought for the British in the French and Indian War and retired with the rank of brigadier general in 1758.
After leaving the military, Washington managed his family's plantation and became active in prerevolutionary politics when he fought British laws enforcing unjust terms on American farmers. He was a Virginia representative to the Continental Congress in 1775, and when fighting broke out against the British he was appointed commander-in chief of the Continental Army. His ability to inspire loyalty and to maintain the unity of his disparate troops in terrible conditions proved decisive. He won several battles, culminating in victory at Yorktown 1781.
Having presided over the convention of delegates that drew up the US Constitution in 1787, Washington was unanimously voted
president in 1789. After serving two terms as president, he retired to his home in Virginia, where he died two years later.
Copyright 1997 Dorling Kinderslev
Washington's Birthday
Washington's Birthday is celebrated as a federal holiday
on the third Monday in February. It honors the first
President of the United States. George Washington was
born on Feb. 22, 1732, according to the calendar we now
use. But by the Old Style Calendar then in use, his birth
date was February 11. People first celebrated the birthday
in the late 1700's, some on the 11th and some on the 22nd.
Today, some states also honor Abraham Lincoln and other
Presidents on the third Monday in February and call the
holiday Presidents' Day.
from World Book
Washington, the Man
As president we hear him thus extolled,
"The father of his country, born to fame,"
As general, a purpose firm and bold
Has carved in fadeless characters the name
Of Washington. From history's pages shine
Full many a deed that won him eulogy,
Befitting tributes that shall ever twine
The laurel diadem for such as he.
But we would also think of him as one
Who gloried in the joy of common things,
An hour of quiet when the day was done,
Old-fashioned flowers and the whir of wings,
The lure of winding pathways, lawns and trees,
The scent of gardens in the twilight dim,
A bird's sweet carol - little things like these
Meant much of tranquil happiness for him.
We hear his voice when all the din and strife
Of public service lull to echoes deep,
"I shall move gently down the stream of life
To moor at length where my forefathers sleep."
A hero's adulation long may cast
Across the years its gleaming rainbow span,
But in men's hearts, while time and memory last,
Shall live the name of Washington, the man.
Nettie Ramsey
Links to other web sites with More
information about George Washington.
Biography of George Washington
Archiving Early America
George Washington: A National Treasure
George Washington Birthplace National Monument
George Washington's Mt Vernon
For 142 years, Mount Vernon has existed as the national monument to our nation's first president and the principal mission of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association has been to restore and preserve George Washington's estate for the citizens of the United States and the world. About ten years ago, however, Mount Vernon recognized that our nation's familiarity with the life and character of the man himself has seriously declined. This realization encouraged Mount Vernon to broaden its mission and elevate education about George Washington's achievements and significant role in American history to be of equal importance to the preservation of this historic estate.
Inscription at Mount Vernon Washington,
the brave, the wise, the good, Supreme in war, in council, and in peace;
Valiant without ambition, discreet without fear, Confident without presumption.
In disaster, calm; in success, moderate;
in all, himself.
The hero, the patriot, the Christian.
The father of nations, the friend of mankind, Who, when he had won all,
renounced all, And sought in the bosom of his family and
of nature, retirement,
And in the hope of religion, immortality.
Thanks to the generous assistance of many Americans almost 150 years ago, George Washington's home was preserved and opened to the public. This same assistance is just as important today as Mount Vernon undertakes a number of vital preservation projects as well as unique educational initiatives.
Mount Vernon
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