Biography Resource Guide on George Washington

By: FUN Monster

George Washington was an important person in American history. He was the United States' first president and helped lead the country to independence from Great Britain during the American Revolution. He was known for his bravery, leadership, and honesty. He also helped create the U.S. Constitution, a set of rules governing the country. Today, he is remembered as one of the most outstanding leaders in American history.

Young George

On February 22, 1732, the future first president of the United States was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia. His father, Augustine Washington, was a wealthy planter, and George was the oldest of the six children Augustine had with his second wife, Mary. When George was just 11 years old, his father died, and he became the ward of his half-brother, Lawrence. Lawrence greatly impacted George's life, teaching him about military tactics and introducing him to important people in Virginia. George had very little formal education but was an avid reader and taught himself a lot about science, history, and other subjects. As a child, he was known for his strength and athleticism, and he enjoyed outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. These experiences would later help him become a successful military leader.

• The Early Life of George Washington: Washington was one of ten children.
• George Washington: Birthplace, Early Life & Education: Washington's parents were Augustine and Mary Washington.
• George Washington's Childhood: Mary Washington was a strong, independent woman who influenced her son greatly.
• Rehabilitating Mary Ball Washington's Importance as George Washington's Mother: Mary advocated for the welfare of her eldest son.
• George Washington and the Cherry Tree: The story of the cherry tree is a long-held myth about Washington's childhood.
• Which Schools Did Our First Presidents Attend? Part 1 - Washington to Lincoln: George Washington was home-schooled.
• Toward Fact: A Biography: The first job George Washington had he got at age sixteen. He worked as a land surveyor.

Washington in the Army

George Washington first gained military experience as a young man fighting in the French and Indian War. Later, during the American Revolution, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. Despite many challenges, including a shortage of troops and supplies, Washington led his army to victory against the British. He was known for his bravery and strategic thinking, and he inspired his troops to keep fighting even in the face of adversity. After the war, Washington returned to civilian life, but his military career impacted American history.

• George Washington: At age twenty-one, Washington joined the Army.
• George Washington's Commission as Commander in Chief: Washington was appointed head of the continental army in 1775.
• Washington Takes Command of the Continental Army: Washington believed in order and organization.
• General of the Armies of the United States George Washington: During the French-Indian War, Washington served under the command of the British Army.
• Washington Taking Command of the American Army - At Cambridge, Massachusetts, July 3rd, 1775: Courier and Ives created many paintings featuring the life of George Washington.
• George Washington: Commander, Founding Father, and President: Before he was known as President George Washington, he was known across the colonies as General Washington.
• Smallpox in Washington's Army: Strategic Implications of the Disease during the American war.
• Revolutionary War(PDF): One of Washington's concerns as a military leader was controlling the spread of disease.
• What Made George Washington a Good Military Leader?: Washington's leadership skills served him well in the military and later as president.

President Washington

Elected for two terms as president, Washington helped to establish the new government of the United States. During his presidency, Washington set many important precedents, including the idea that the president should serve for only two terms. He also helped to create a strong central government and worked to improve the country's economy. Washington was known for his honesty and integrity, and he believed in the importance of public service. His leadership helped shape the future of the United States and established many of the principles still important in American politics today.

• The Day George Washington Became President: George Washington purposefully chose a brown suit for his inauguration outfit.
• George Washington: The 1st President of the United States: The first president of the United States never actually lived in the White House!
• Knowing the Presidents: George Washington: Washington began the tradition of giving an inaugural address upon taking office.
• Washington's Farewell Address: (PDF): Washington's speech when he left office is one of the most famous in American public life.
• A President's Vision: Since Washington was the first president, his actions set a precedent.
• George Washington and Executive Power: One of the things Washington spoke about in his Farewell address was the danger political parties posed to the republic's health.
• George Washington and the Constitution: Washington supported the adoption of the Constitution.
• The Presidency of George Washington: One important precedent Washington established was the tradition of only serving two terms.
• George Washington and Executive Power (PDF): Many of Washington's decisions as President shaped how the nation understood the power of the presidency.

Washington's Private Life

Washington married Martha Dandridge Custis, a wealthy widow with two children from a previous marriage in his twenties. Although George and Martha had no children together, they were known for their strong bond and loving relationship. Washington was a devoted husband, often writing letters to Martha while away from home. He also had a close relationship with his stepchildren and helped to raise them as if they were his own. Later, Washington enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and immensely enjoyed their company. Despite his many responsibilities as a military leader and president, Washington always made time for his family and valued the importance of strong family relationships.

• Marriage and Family: Washington married Martha Custis, a widow with two children, in 1759.
• George Washington: Family Life: Washington and his wife Martha raised some grandchildren.
• The Private Lives of George Washington's Slaves: Washington, like many of the Founding Fathers, owned enslaved people.
• George Washington's Wheat: Along with being a soldier and statesman, Washington was also a productive farmer.
• George Washington, Farmer and Businessman: Running his plantation required Washington to hone his business skills.
• George Washington Raised Martha's Children and Grandchildren as His Own: Martha Custis had a daughter and son from her first marriage who Washington helped raise.
• The Father of the Nation, George Washington, Was Also a Doting Dad to His Family: Although the Custis's children were not biologically Washington's, he still loved them and acted as their father.
• Martha Washington: Martha was born in 1731 near Williamsburg, Virginia.

Washington's Legacy

Today, George Washington is remembered as one of the most outstanding leaders in the country's history and is often referred to as the "father of our country." Washington was known for his honesty and integrity, and his character helped to set an important example for future American leaders. Today, Washington is a famous figure remembered with monuments, buildings, and even a state named in his honor, and his legacy continues to inspire Americans to work for the betterment of their country.

• George Washington's Legacy and the Electoral Count Reform Act: One of Washington's most powerful acts was peacefully leaving office at the end of his second term.
• The Legacy of President Washington: Washington is the face of the dollar bill.
• The Importance of George Washington: The actions of Washington as General and President created a lot of American political traditions that are still honored today.
• Pursuing a Vision - Washington's Legacy: Washington tried to stay true to his vision of a modern leader of a republic.
• Three Decisions That Defined George Washington's Leadership Legacy: Washington's choice to be a president instead of a king shaped America's future forever.
• Washington Monument: Plans for the monument, the world's tallest free-standing stone structure, began in 1783.
• How George Ended Up on the $1 Bill: Washington's face first appeared on a dollar bill in 1869.
• $1 Note: The dollar bill most people are familiar with today was first issued in 1963.