Washington had been infatuated before, but Martha proved a perfect life partner and comfort to the reserved, driven, and often overburdened Washington.Īlong with the wealth and social standing that Martha brought to the marriage, she also came with two young children, who Washington cherished as his own. As far away as Britain, the young colonel’s calm and courage under fire was appreciated, with a London gazette running a line from one of his letters: “I have heard the bullets whistle and believe me, there is something charming in the sound.” Mount VernonĪs he began ambitious improvements to the plantation, he became involved with a wealthy young widow, Martha Dandridge Custis. He first saw battle in his very early twenties, and he learned that he liked it. As a young man, George impressed the colonial power-brokers of British Virginia, who made him a surveyor of western lands and an officer with the British during the French and Indian War. Despite their stuffy formality, George seems to have internalized them because they echoed through his behavior for the rest of his life. These 110 rules had been conceived by French Jesuits as a teaching tool almost a century and a half before, dealing with everything from table manners to posture to facial expressions to gossip. He also copied by hand the Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation. Foreign governments, including Britain, pay homage.Īpparently determined to better himself from a young age, George found mentors among the gentry and emulated their ways. 14, 1799 Washington dies suddenly after contracting an acute infection while touring his estates in the winter. ![]() He serves two terms but refuses a third.ĭec. 30, 1789 Despite not actively seeking the candidacy, Washington is unanimously elected as the first president of the United States under the Constitution. 23, 1783 Washington resigns his commission as commander-in-chief, having transformed the Continental Army into an effective fighting force and led the troops to victory over the British.Īpr. JHaving served with distinction in the French and Indian War, Washington is appointed as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army that was created the day before.ĭec. His father, Augustine, is a plantation owner who dies when George is 11. ![]() 22, 1732 George Washington is born in a modest house at Popes Creek, Westmoreland County, Virginia.
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