George Washington served as first President of the United States from 1789-1797, Commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War in 1775, and was one of the Founding Fathers of the country. Under his direction, the US Constitution–which remains the supreme law of the nation–was drafted.
Washington served two terms as President and was unanimously elected in both. He aimed to create a strong national government that remained neutral in European conflicts such as the French Revolutionary War and one that preserved liberty, promote commerce, reduce regional tensions, and promote American nationalism. Even during his lifetime, Washington was hailed as the father of his country,
Henry Lee, a Revolutionary War General, described the President as “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen” in the eulogy he gave at Washington’s funeral.
According to both the general public and scholars, Washington is ranked among the top three presidents of the United States alongside Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The former President remains an international symbol of nationalism, liberation, and revolution.
| 1731 | Washington is born in Virginia |
| 1775 | Becomes the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War |
| 1776 | The Patriots gain their independence from Britain under Washington's command; the United States of America is born |
| 1788 | US Constitution is ratified |
| 1789 | Elected as the first President of the United States |
| 1792 | Serves a second term as President |
| 1799 | Dies in Virginia |
| sight | Shearith Israel Graveyard |
| sight | St. Paul's Chapel |
| tidbit | The Great Fire of New York |
| tidbit | Manatus Map |
| sight | Fraunces Tavern |
| wiki | George Washington |
| link | Eulogy Given at the Funeral of George Washington |