George Washington

George Washington, the first President of the United States, was born 22 February 1732 in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He was the son of Augustine Washington and his second wife, Mary Ball Washington. He married Martha Dandridge Custis (1732-1802) on 6 January 1759. They had two adopted children: John "Jack" Parke Custis; and Martha "Patsy" Custis.

George Washington was a gentleman farmer in Virginia; he received no formal education. He was, however, a great leader. He served as a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, 1759-1774; a member of the Continental Congress, 1774-1775; Commanding General of colonial forces during the American Revolution; and chairman of the Constitutional Convention, 1787-1788. He served as the first President of the United States from 30 April 1789 to 3 March 1797. President George Washington died at Mount Vernon, Virginia, on 14 December 1799.