To begin, we can look at a few simple, personal facts about George Washington.
George Washington was born on February 22, 1732.
Although he was born at his father's plantation on Pope's Creek in Westmoreland County, Virginia, Washington spent most of his childhood at Ferry Farm, a plantation on the Rappahannock River. This was near Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Painting of Ferry Farm.
George Washington was not fully educated.Washington preformed very well in mathematics, and he learned the principles of surveying. However, he never learned a foreign language, and he never went to college. His education ended as a whole when he was around 15 years of age. Not much else is known about Washington's childhood, and it is the most insufficiently understood part of his life.
"My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her." |
Washington Receiving instruction from his mother.
Teenage Washington wanted to join the British Navy.
He had the ambitions for adventure, but his mother denied his wish to join the British Navy. Rather, Washington joined George William Fairfax to explore and survey the wilderness of Virginia. Washington's surveying led to a promising career. He was hardworking and wise with his money. Eventually he purchased his own land.
19-year-old Washington as a surveyor.
Washington married Martha Dandridge Custis on January 6, 1759.This was Washington's first marriage, and Martha's second. Washington and Martha were a close couple; during the Revolutionary War, Martha joined Washington and helped take care of the sick and wounded. She spent nearly half of the time during the war in camp, helping to tend to the soldiers. Not too much is known about George and Martha's personal relationship. Martha had kept it very private. After Washington died, she burned nearly all the letters he wrote to her and did away with almost every other record there was of their relationship.
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Young George and Martha.
So now we know some basic information about our first president of the United States. But his leadership and legacy has not even been discussed yet. The button below will take you to the first stop in the timeline: The French and Indian War.