George Washington was the first President of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797. He was also a key figure in the American Revolution, serving as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the war.

Washington was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He was the eldest son of Augustine Washington and his second wife, Mary Ball Washington. He was raised in a plantation-owning family, and his early education was focused on mathematics, surveying, and mapmaking.

In 1753, Washington was appointed as an official surveyor for Culpeper County, Virginia. This experience allowed him to gain knowledge of the land and the people in the colonies and helped him to understand the importance of land and its value.

In 1775, the Revolutionary War broke out, and Washington was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. He quickly proved to be a skilled military leader, and under his command, the Patriots were able to defeat the British and secure American independence.

Things You Probably Didn’t Know About George Washington

• George Washington was not the first president of the United States. He was, however, the first president to be elected under the new Constitution and served two terms from 1789 to 1797.
• Washington was a skilled military leader and strategist. He served as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution and is credited with leading the Patriots to victory over the British.
• Washington was a successful businessman before becoming president. He owned large tracts of land, including a plantation called Mount Vernon, where he grew tobacco and wheat.
• Washington was a skilled surveyor and mapmaker. He surveyed land in the colonies and created detailed maps of the area.
• Washington was a Freemason and a member of several Masonic lodges. He was initiated into the organisation in 1752 and was a member for the rest of his life.
• Washington was a slave owner. He inherited slaves from his father and stepfather and acquired more through marriage. He freed his slaves in his will upon his death.
• Washington had a dental problem throughout his life. He lost several teeth due to disease, injury, and the harsh conditions of the battlefield. He had several sets of false teeth, some of which were made of wood.
• Washington was a skilled horseman and owned many horses. He was known for his horseback riding skills and used horses for transportation, leisure, and during battles.
• Washington had a close relationship with French General Marquis de Lafayette. He was a close confidant and advisor to Washington during the Revolutionary War and after.
• Washington was a strong advocate for the establishment of a national university. He believed that a well-educated population was essential for the success of the young nation, and he urged Congress to establish a national university. Though it was not created during his lifetime, his vision was realised with the establishment of the Smithsonian Institution.
• Washington was a strict disciplinarian and had a strict code of conduct for his soldiers during the Revolutionary War. He believed a well-disciplined army was essential for victory and would not tolerate insubordination or misconduct among his troops.
• Washington was a strong advocate of religious freedom and tolerance. He believed that individuals had the right to practice their religion without interference from the government.
• Washington was a skilled orator and public speaker. He was known for his powerful speeches and ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Washington was a strong advocate for American independence from Britain and was one of the leaders of the Patriot movement. He believed that the colonies should be free from British rule and that they should govern themselves.
• Washington passionately supported American industry and believed that the nation should be self-sufficient. He encouraged the development of American industries, such as textiles and manufacturing, and thought that the nation should not be dependent on foreign goods.
• Washington strongly advocated American agriculture and believed that the nation should be self-sufficient in food production. He encouraged the development of American agriculture and thought the nation should not depend on foreign food sources.
• Washington strongly advocated American education and believed that a well-educated population was essential for the nation's success. He encouraged the development of American schools and thought education should be available to all citizens, regardless of their background or social status.

Things you can learn from George Washington

• Leadership: George Washington was a skilled military leader and strategist who was able to lead the Continental Army to victory over the British during the Revolutionary War. He was also an experienced diplomat and was able to navigate the complex political landscape of the new nation during his tenure as President.
• Integrity: Washington was known for his honesty, integrity, and sense of duty. He was a man of his word and always prioritised the nation's good above his own personal interests.
• Self-control: Washington was known for his self-control and discipline. He could maintain his composure in difficult situations and make decisions based on reason, not emotion.
• Perseverance: Washington faced many challenges during the Revolutionary War and as President. He persevered through difficult times, never giving up on his goal of securing American independence and building a strong nation.
• Visionary: Washington was a visionary who had a clear idea of what he wanted and how to achieve it. He firmly believed in the importance of education, industry, and agriculture for the nation's success.
• Honesty and transparency: Washington was known for his honesty and openness. He believed that the government should be accountable to the people and that the people should be informed about the government's actions.
• Respect for the law: Washington believed in the rule of law and the importance of following the Constitution. He was committed to upholding the laws of the land and ensuring that the government acted within the bounds of the law.
• Humility: Despite his many accomplishments and the high regard he held, Washington was a humble man who never let power go to his head. He always remained grounded and never forgot his roots.
• Fairness: Washington believed in treating everyone fairly, regardless of their background or social status. He was committed to ensuring that everyone had an equal opportunity to succeed.