George Washington vid

George Washington's Early Life

• George Washington was born in 1732 in the colony of Virginia, which was part of Great Britain.
• George Washington's father died when he was 11 years old.
• George Washington learned how to survey land after living with his half-brother, Lawrence, at Mount Vernon.
• George Washington became a major in the Virginia militia at 22 years old.

The French and Indian War

• The Governor of Virginia sent George Washington on a mission to tell the French to leave the Ohio Valley.
• The French refused to leave, and George Washington led hundreds of soldiers in an event that started the French and Indian War.
• The French and Indian War made George Washington famous.
• After the French and Indian War, George Washington returned to Mount Vernon, married Martha, and started a family.

The American Revolution

• In 1774, George Washington was chosen to represent Virginia in the First Continental Congress.
• The American Revolutionary War began in 1775.
• The Second Continental Congress formed the Continental Army, and George Washington was chosen as its commander.
• George Washington led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolutionary War.

Presidency of the United States

• George Washington was chosen to lead the Constitutional Convention to set up the new government after the American colonies gained their independence.
• George Washington was elected president of the United States in 1789.
• George Washington served two terms as president.
• He was the first president of the United States.

Legacy

• George Washington is honored in many ways throughout the United States:
  • The U.S. capital, Washington, D.C., is named after him.
  • The Washington Monument is a large obelisk in Washington D.C. honoring him.
  • His portrait is on the U.S. dollar bill and all U.S. quarters.
  • He is featured on Mount Rushmore.
• George Washington is often referred to as "The Father of His Country."