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George Washington

1731-1799

George Washington served asĀ 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.

Timeline

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

Reference Links

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