George Washington is the greatest man in American history. George Washington was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He was elected as the first President by the Electoral College unanimously in 1789. He is known for leading the Continental Army in victory over the British in the American Revolution. Washington is commonly called the “Father of his country” since he played a major role in fighting for independence and helped form the government we now have. After his father died when he was eleven years old, his half-brother named Lawrence who helped to raise Washington and taught him how to be a gentleman. Although he never received more than an elementary school education, he was educated in basic subjects like reading and math.
At the age of sixteenth, in 1748, Washington went to work as a surveyor in the Shenandoah Valley by Lord Fairfax, a land baron. A few years later, Washington became a leader in Virginia militia and became involved in the French and Indian War. In 1755, Washington returned to the Ohio frontier as a volunteer aide for General Badddock. During a battle between the French and the British near the Monongahela River, Washington exhibited great courage and leadership. He was later recognized for his conduct in battle with a promotion and was given command of the entire military force of Virginia.
On January 6, 1759, George Washington married a wealthy widow woman Martha Dandridge Custis and moved to Mount Vernon. During 1759-1774, he took care of his plantations and sat in the Virginia House of Burgesses. He supported the initial protests against British policies, took an active part in the nonimportation movement in Virginia. He served as a delegate to the First Continental Congress in 1774 in Philadelphia. By the time the Second Continental Congress convened a year later, the American Revolution had begun in earnest, and Washington was the commander of the Continental Army.
Washington proved to be a better general than military strategist. In 1776, George Washington crossed the Delaware River with 5,400 troops to fight an important battle against the British army. That history victory was painted by Emanuel Leutze and was a major turning point in the Revolution. In 1783, The American Revolution was ended, Washington addressed Congress on December 23 in Annapolis, the Treaty of Paris was signed. He resigned his commission and returned once again to Mount Vernon. Thus, Washington gave the power back to the people and was declared as a hero around the world. In 1787, he was asked to attend the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. His impressive leadership there convinced the delegates that he was the most qualified man to become the nation’s first President. The first presidential election was held on January 7, 1789, Washington is elected as the first president of the United States.
Although, on that time, he wanted to leave governing the new nation to others and return to a quiet life at home. But public opinion was so strong that he have in eventually. After the 4 years of the first term, he was reelected to be president. In 1793, he begins his second term as President. Although, people encouraged Washington to seek the third term, he declined and finally, he retired. He enjoyed his peaceful retirement life for the few years in Mount Vernon by taking care of plantation as productive as he did before he became President. On December 14, 1799, George Washington died at the age 67 from a throat infection in Mount Vernon, which was designated a national historic landmark in 1960.
George Washington is a great American man that will never forgotten in the American history. That is also the reason why we see George Washington on the One Dollar Bill and Quarter. We also have the capitol, a state, and many schools under his named. He is considered as one of America’s best loved heroes due to his dedication and sacrifice for our country.