The Life and Times of the First President
Many people worldwide travel to Washington DC to see the home of one of the most influential figures in history. George Washington is a name known around the globe, although not many know the details about his life story.
He was born on the 22nd of February, 1732 to Augustine and Mary Ball Washington. His birthplace of Pope’s Creek, Virginia is still a national monument, despite attempts to vandalize the property. During these formative years, he lived on a farm with relatives. As he came of age, he eventually inherited the property that would become his Mount Vernon home.
Washington rose to fame in the army and became decorated for his involvement in the French and Indian War. After this conflict was over, he married Martha, the nation’s first First Lady, and began to work on improving Mount Vernon. Here, the study that he worked upon his business and diversification still stands, and visitors can view the room where he made some of his most important decisions. He loved to entertain guests and had over 2,000 of them in his home over the years as he began to reach high society.
When the American Revolution began in earnest, Washington was selected to be Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. This is a title that can be used to refer to any president to this day as it is part and parcel with the presidency. Although Washington did not put himself forth for this task, his peers knew that he was the only candidate for the job. Washington was invaluable during this time as he was training and organizing the recruits as well as being a symbol for those fighting the British. This symbolism was enough to boost the morale of officers and recruits alike and led to even more signing up to the cause.
Washington led the final battle with the British, after which they surrendered to the combined power of the Americans and the French. After the fighting was over and the treaties signed, Washington headed back to his Mount Vernon home to retire in peace. This was not destined to be for long however, as he was soon called back to the Constitutional Convention as the representative of the state. It wasn’t long before he was elected President through this process and the Electoral College was in total agreement. This was the only time in history that they agreed unanimously, serving as a testament to his suitability for the role.
After serving two terms as President, he attempted to retire once more and this time was successful. He did assist as the Senior Officer of the United States Army during a conflict with France, but he later died in this role in 1799. He was buried on the grounds of Mount Vernon, where he still rests to this day with his wife, Martha.
If you’d like to learn more about George Washington then join Gray Line DC for a tour of Mount Vernon for a tour of his home, where so many of his most important decisions were made.