George Washington

George Washington was born to Augustine and Mary Ball Washington on their family estate, Popes Creek, in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He was the eldest of six children from his father's second marriage.

Washington begins his career as a surveyor, working in the Shenandoah Valley. His skills in mapping and understanding land will later prove invaluable in his military and political careers.

George Washington is appointed the official surveyor of Culpeper County, Virginia, marking the beginning of his public service and leadership roles.

Washington is commissioned as a major in the Virginia militia and tasked with delivering a message to French forces in the Ohio Valley, setting the stage for his involvement in the French and Indian War.

George Washington marries the wealthy widow Martha Dandridge Custis, inheriting her extensive estate and becoming one of the wealthiest men in Virginia. They settle at Mount Vernon.

The Second Continental Congress appoints George Washington as Commander-in-Chief of the newly formed Continental Army, a role that will define his military and leadership legacy during the American Revolution.

Washington leads the Continental Army to a decisive victory over British forces at the Battle of Yorktown, effectively ending major combat operations in the American Revolution and securing independence.

After the signing of the Treaty of Paris, George Washington resigns his commission as Commander-in-Chief, setting a precedent for civilian control of the military and returning to private life at Mount Vernon.

George Washington is unanimously elected by the Electoral College as the first President of the United States, taking office in New York City and establishing many presidential precedents.

Washington delivers the first State of the Union address to Congress, emphasizing the need for unity and neutrality in foreign affairs amidst European conflicts.

After serving two terms, George Washington declines a third and retires to Mount Vernon, setting the precedent for a peaceful transition of power and a two-term limit for presidents.

George Washington dies at his home, Mount Vernon, after a brief illness. His death marks the end of an era and he is mourned throughout the young nation and the world.