George Washington was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia, to Augustine and Mary Ball Washington. He was the eldest of six children in the family. His father died when he was just 11 years old, and his half-brother Lawrence, who served as a mentor to him, died when George was only 20. These events forced him to grow up quickly and take on greater responsibilities.
Washington began his career as a surveyor in Virginia, and at the age of 22, he was appointed a major in the Virginia militia. During the French and Indian War, he served as an aide to General Edward Braddock and quickly gained a reputation for bravery and leadership. In 1759, he resigned from the military and returned to his plantation at Mount Vernon.
In 1774, Washington was elected as a delegate to the First Continental Congress, and the following year, he was appointed as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a lack of funding and resources, Washington was able to lead the Continental Army to victory in the Revolutionary War.
After the war, Washington retired from public life, but he was persuaded to attend the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where he was unanimously elected as the convention's president. In 1789, he was elected as the first President of the United States, a position he held for two terms.
During his presidency, Washington established many of the traditions and protocols that still govern the presidency today. He worked to create a strong federal government and played a key role in the drafting of the Constitution. He also established the precedent of a peaceful transfer of power by stepping down from the presidency after two terms.
Washington retired to Mount Vernon in 1797 and died there on December 14, 1799. He is widely regarded as one of America's greatest leaders and is often referred to as the "Father of His Country."
