George Washington led Patriot forces to victory in the American Revolutionary War, served as the first president, and played a crucial role in drafting the U.S. Constitution. He is known as the 'Father of his Country'.
In 1674, Mount Vernon was granted to the Washington Family.
George Washington was born in February 1731 in Westmoreland County, Virginia.
George Washington, the first President of the United States, was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia, which was then part of the British American colonies. His birthplace is now preserved as the George Washington Birthplace National Monument.
George Washington, the first President of the United States, was born on February 22, 1732.
George Washington, the first President of the United States, was born on February 22, 1733.
The construction of the Mount Vernon Mansion took place in 1734.
The original house at the core of the present-day Mansion was built for Washington’s father, Augustine Washington. It likely consisted of four rooms and a central passage on the first floor and a garret.
The Washington family moved to Ferry Farm, a plantation on the Rappahannock River near Fredericksburg. George Washington spent most of his youth here.
George Washington was the first President of the United States and a key figure in the American Revolution. He is often referred to as the 'Father of His Country' for his leadership and contributions to the founding of the nation.
On February 22, 1743, George Washington, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, was born. He later became the first President of the United States and played a key role in the American Revolutionary War.
Augustine Washington, George's father, passed away, leaving most of his property to his sons from his first marriage. George inherited 10 slaves from his father's estate, and his formal education ended at the age of 11.
In 1748, at the age of 16, George Washington accompanied George William Fairfax on a surveying expedition through the western frontier of Virginia. This experience contributed to his early career in surveying and mapping.
George Washington was appointed as the county surveyor of Culpeper at the age of seventeen, marking an early milestone in his career.
George Washington was born on December 13, 1749.
In 1751, George Washington contracted smallpox while accompanying his older half-brother to the island of Barbados. He fortunately recovered and gained immunity for the rest of his life, which played a crucial role during the American Revolution.
Upon the deaths of Lawrence and his daughter, Washington inherits Mount Vernon, becoming the head of a large plantation at a young age. He takes great interest in farming and works to expand his landholdings.
In 1753, Virginia Governor Robert Dinwiddie sent Major George Washington to the Ohio Valley to deliver a message to the French, demanding that they leave the area.
George Washington was born on February 22, 1732. He was the first President of the United States and played a key role in the American Revolutionary War.
Now a lieutenant colonel, Washington leads a surprise attack on the French post of Fort Duquesne. This skirmish marks the beginning of the French and Indian War.
During a battle between the French and the British near the Monongahela River, George Washington exhibited great courage and leadership, which led to his recognition and promotion.
George Washington lost his first public office election, but later went on to win his second race.
Less than a year after the death of her first husband, Martha Dandridge Custis married George Washington on January 6, 1759. They, her two children, and several enslaved people moved to Washington's home, Mount Vernon, in early April 1759.
In 1761, Mount Vernon was inherited by George Washington.
During the early 1770s, George Washington's leadership and military experience began to emerge, setting the stage for his pivotal role in the American Revolution.
George Washington co-authors the Fairfax County Resolves with George Mason in response to the British 'Intolerable Acts', calling for non-importation of British goods, support for Boston, and the meeting of a Continental Congress.
The Fairfax Resolves, co-authored by George Washington, are presented to the public at the Fairfax County Courthouse, addressing the conflict between the Colonies and Parliament.
George Washington serves as a delegate from Virginia at the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia, where the Colonies address the growing conflict with Parliament.
While attending the First Continental Congress, George Washington responds to a letter from Captain Robert Mackenzie, defending the actions of Boston's patriots and expressing hope for reconciliation with Britain.
George Washington was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army on June 15, 1775. Despite his limited experience in leading large military forces, his leadership and determination played a crucial role in holding the American military together, ultimately leading to victory at Yorktown and securing independence for the new nation in 1781.
George Washington was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army by his fellow congressmen during the Second Continental Congress. He attended the congress in military uniform.
The British launched an amphibious assault on the American positions at Brooklyn Heights, resulting in a significant British victory. Washington managed to save his remaining forces by ferrying them across the East River to Manhattan.
William Howe's regulars attacked and defeated Washington's Continental Army at White Plains as part of the 1776 New York Campaign.
Washington led his forces in an attack upon the Hessian garrison at Trenton, New Jersey. The lightning attack surprised the Hessians and led to the capture of almost two-thirds of the 1,500 man force - at the cost of zero American combat casualties. This victory greatly bolstered the sagging morale of the Continental Army.
William Howe's regulars attacked and defeated Washington's Continental Army at White Plains as part of the 1776 New York Campaign.
Congress grants George Washington special powers for a period of six months, allowing him to raise troops and supplies directly from the states, appoint officers, administer the army, and arrest inhabitants who refuse to accept Continental currency. Washington assures Congress that he will use these powers to its honor.
George Washington decides to re-enlist free Negroes who have served in the Army to prevent them from serving the British instead. This decision marks a reversal of his previous stance on enlisting both slaves and free blacks.
The Continental Army, led by General George Washington, achieved victory over British troops near Princeton, New Jersey. This battle was a crucial part of the campaign to regain momentum after a series of defeats in the New York City area.
British General Charles Cornwallis initiates the 1777 campaign in New Jersey in an attempt to lure George Washington and his army out from their winter headquarters at Morristown.
George Washington writes to General William Maxwell, commander of the Continental light infantry and the New Jersey militia, instructing him to ready himself and his troops for the 1777 campaign.
George Washington relocates his headquarters to Middlebrook, south of Morristown, marking a strategic move during the Revolutionary War.
George Washington writes to Congress and General Philip Schuyler, highlighting the success of the New Jersey militia in forcing the British out of New Jersey and the general failure of the British to win back the inhabitants to allegiance to the Crown.
The Marquis de Lafayette, aged nineteen, arrives in Philadelphia from France to offer his services to the American cause. He is commissioned a major general by Congress and forms a close friendship with George Washington.
George Washington writes to Congress requesting the deployment of Benedict Arnold to halt British General John Burgoyne's invasion of New York from Canada.
General Sir William Howe sets sail from New York City with approximately 15,000 men, embarking on a campaign to take Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress.
British Colonel Barry St. Leger, with a force of British regulars, Canadians, and Indian allies, lays siege to Fort Stanwix in the western Mohawk Valley. Benedict Arnold and 900 Continentals arrive, forcing St. Leger to retreat back to Canada.
The Battle of Oriskany sees British Colonel Barry St. Leger and his allies ambush patriot German militia and Oneida Indian allies under the command of General Nicholas Herkimer, resulting in severe hand-to-hand fighting and the death of Herkimer.
The Battle of Brandywine took place on September 11, 1777, where George Washington and the Continental Army were defeated by General Howe's force marching north. Howe successfully flanked the American forces holding positions across the Brandywine Creek near Chadds Ford.
A letter addressed to George Washington on June 5, 1778.
George Rogers Clark successfully captures the British post of Kaskaskia near the Mississippi River, convincing French settlers and their Indian allies to support the American cause.
George Washington communicates with Philip Schuyler, a member of the Indian commission for the northern department, during the frontier war along the New York and Pennsylvania frontier.
Washington confidentially communicates with Henry Laurens about a plan for a French campaign against the British in Canada that Lafayette wants to lead, expressing concerns about the future independence of the American republic should European powers retain a strong presence in North America.
Congress directs George Washington to respond to British, Indian, and loyalist attacks on frontier settlements in New York and Pennsylvania. Washington sends out an expedition under command of General John Sullivan.
George Washington responds to Henry Laurens's letter on the possibility of raising a black regiment for the defense of the south. Washington writes Laurens that he would rather wait till the British first raise such regiments before the Americans do so.
George Washington writes state governors Jonathan Trumbull (Connecticut), George Clinton (New York), and William Livingston (New Jersey) about reports of the arrival of a French Fleet and of the necessity of preparing the militia and raising food supplies.
Washington writes Congress and Comte d'Estaing about his efforts at organizing a cooperative effort with the French fleet to attack the British.
Benjamin Lincoln's letter to Sir Henry Clinton expressing a willingness to discuss terms of surrender of Charleston, as copied in George Washington's letterbook.
John André, a British officer, was executed as a spy by Washington's military court in Tappan, New York. This decision was made after André was stopped by the New York militia and questioned upon returning to British lines.
In 1781, after the arrival of the French West Indies fleet and the vulnerable position of Lord Cornwallis' army, George Washington and Rochambeau made the bold decision to march their armies south to launch an attack on the isolated British garrison.
In 1781, George Washington played a significant role in the Battle of the Chesapeake, which was a crucial naval engagement during the American Revolutionary War.
A letter addressed to George Washington on March 17th, 1782.
In August 1782, George Washington created three new military badges to honor the service of ordinary soldiers. The badges were intended to recognize acts of bravery among regular soldiers, emphasizing the accessibility of glory in a patriot army and a free country.
A letter addressed to George Washington on September 7, 1782.
In 1783, on March 15th, George Washington delivered the Newburgh Address, where he established a policy of recognizing the heroic contributions of regular soldiers, not just officers. This address also set the precedence for the eventual establishment of the Purple Heart, which was adopted by the army in 1932 at the behest of General Douglas MacArthur.
George Washington announces the cessation of hostilities between the United States and the King of Great Britain. He congratulates the Army for their participation in a great drama on the stage of human affairs, urging them to preserve a perfect, unvarying consistency of character through the very last act.
Washington sends Sir Guy Carleton a copy of the proclamation on the cessation of hostilities, describing it as received from the Sovereign Power of the United States. Carleton has been appointed by the British government to negotiate the cessation of hostilities and the exchange and liberation of prisoners.
On July 22, 1783, the citizens of Philadelphia presented an address to George Washington, expressing their gratitude and admiration towards him.
On September 21, 1783, the citizens of Philadelphia once again addressed George Washington, showing their respect and support for him.
On October 2, 1783, another address was directed towards George Washington, recognizing his significant contributions to the country.
A message was conveyed to George Washington on October 13, 1783, acknowledging his leadership and role in shaping the nation's future.
In his farewell orders to the Continental Army, Washington acknowledges the disadvantageous circumstances under which the war was undertaken.
Washington formally parts from officers at Fraunces Tavern, New York City, before submitting his resignation of his military commission as commander in chief at Annapolis. His willingness to relinquish command is considered striking, especially for a democratic republic.
General George Washington surrendered his commission to Congress in Annapolis, Maryland, reaffirming his core belief that the military was subordinate to civilian rule - a central principle of the new United States.
After the war, Washington arrives at Mount Vernon and receives letters of approbation from England, Europe, and the United States. His acknowledgments of these letters and thoughts on his fame can be found in Series 2, Letterbook 11.
During George Washington's life, he undertook the second major expansion project of the Mansion. He had friends or family oversee the project as he was away during most of the construction work. The majority of the work was done by Washington’s enslaved labor force.
George Washington's influential support of the Constitution helped garner support from other states, leading to its adoption. His belief in a strong and balanced central government with a system of checks and balances solidified the foundation of the American constitutional system.
On June 21, 1788, the Constitution was officially ratified, marking a significant milestone in the establishment of the new form of government for the young nation.
In February 4, 1789, electors cast their ballots in the Electoral College in New York City, resulting in the election of George Washington as the first President of the United States.
George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States on April 30, 1789.
On April 30, 1789, George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States.
On May 8, 1789, George Washington sent a message replying to the House of Representatives, addressing important matters of governance and policy.
On May 18, 1789, George Washington sent a message replying to the Senate, engaging in the legislative process and communication with the Senate.
On May 31, 1790, another letter was sent to George Washington, continuing the correspondence.
Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, with President Washington's support, sends a controversial message to Congress calling for the creation of an official Bank of the United States. The bill is signed by Washington on February 25, 1791.
The First Bank of the United States was established to handle the financial needs and requirements of the new central government. It played a crucial role in the country's early economy and financial system.
Commissioners name the territory within the District of Columbia the city of Washington in honor of the nation's first President.
The commissioners designated the area within the District of Columbia, which would later become the seat of the Federal Government, as the 'City of Washington' to honor the nation's first President.
The states officially ratify the first ten amendments to the Constitution, also known as the Bill of Rights. President Washington had called for their ratification in his first inaugural address.
President Washington appoints Thomas Pinckney as the first United States minister to England, instructing him to convey a spirit of 'sincere friendship' and to seek the liberation of American commerce from British regulations.
The cornerstone for the President's mansion is laid in Washington D.C., marking a significant milestone in the construction of the official residence of the President of the United States.
On November 6, 1792, President George Washington delivered his fourth annual State of the Union address, outlining the key issues and developments in the young nation, shaping the tradition of presidential addresses to Congress.
George Washington is unanimously re-elected President of the United States by the Electoral College. John Adams is elected for a second term as Vice President.
On December 5, 1792, electors cast their ballots and unanimously reelected George Washington as the President of the United States.
President Washington issues a proclamation of neutrality, warning Americans to avoid aiding either side in the emerging conflict between Britain and revolutionary France.
President Washington cautiously receives France's envoy to the United States, Edmond Charles Genet. Washington fears that Genet wants to enlist U.S. aid in the conflict between Britain and France.
President Washington summoned Randolph for an explanation of the French dispatch, which led to controversy and scandal.
President George Washington participates in the ceremony of laying the southeast cornerstone of the Capitol Building in the federal district.
In 1793, American relations with Britain began to deteriorate rapidly as the British government issued secret orders for the Royal Navy to confiscate any vessels trading with French possessions in the Caribbean, leading to the seizure of more than 200 American ships.
President George Washington delivers the Fifth Annual State of the Union Address to Congress.
On December 31, 1793, Thomas Jefferson resigned as secretary of state, leading to President Washington appointing Edmund Randolph as his successor.
In response to British aggression, the Congress authorizes the production of six warships and announces a sixty-day embargo on American shipping. The Washington administration supports both measures.
In response to British aggression, the Congress announces a sixty-day embargo on American shipping. The Washington administration supports this measure.
President Washington selects Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Jay as a special envoy to Britain in an effort to improve relations and address American grievances.
Farmers in western Pennsylvania rebel over the strict enforcement of an excise tax on whiskey. President Washington issues a proclamation and dispatches militiamen to Pennsylvania, leading to the dissolution of the insurrection.
George Washington signs the Jay Treaty, which aimed to resolve issues between the United States and Great Britain left over from the American Revolutionary War. The treaty also sought to avert another war between the two nations.
The Jay Treaty addressed trade disputes, British occupation of western forts, and the seizure of American merchant ships. It successfully averted a potential war between the United States and Great Britain.
George Washington delivers his Seventh Annual State of the Union Address, providing an overview of the nation's progress and challenges. This address was significant in shaping the early traditions of the State of the Union.
George Washington sends a special message to the House regarding the Jay Treaty, refusing to provide papers requested. This action sparked controversy and debate within the government and the public.
Washington Farewell Address is famous for emphasizing the importance of national unity and warning against entanglement, partisanship, and regionalism.
In his Farewell Address, George Washington offered valuable advice on maintaining national unity, avoiding partisan divisions, and avoiding entanglement in foreign conflicts. It became a significant part of American political tradition.
The Treaty with Tripoli was signed on November 4, 1796. It was an important diplomatic agreement between the United States and the North African Barbary State of Tripoli, aimed at ensuring peace and protecting American merchant vessels from piracy in the Mediterranean.
George Washington resigned from the presidency on March 4, 1797, after serving two terms and setting a precedent for future presidents.
In 1799, George Washington, the first President of the United States, passed away at his Mount Vernon estate in Virginia. His death marked the end of an era and had a significant impact on the young nation.
In 1799, George Washington, the first President of the United States, passed away at his Mount Vernon estate, leaving a lasting legacy as a Founding Father and military leader.
George Washington passed away on December 14, 1799, at approximately 10PM. His leadership and contributions to the new nation were crucial in shaping the early United States.
Martha Washington fulfilled the aspect of George Washington's will by arranging the early emancipation of 123 enslaved individuals upon her death, possibly due to fear for her safety.
In May 1824, Washington voted in favor of the U.S. Senate version of the tariff bill, demonstrating his stance on economic policies and trade regulations.
In 1853, the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union was established to own and maintain Mount Vernon, the historic home of George Washington. It is a private, non-profit organization that relies on private contributions for preservation.
In 1858, the Washingtons' Estate was purchased by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA).
The index of George Washington Papers was created in 1964 in Washington, D.C. It serves as a resource guide for accessing the papers of George Washington.
The George Washington Prize is an award recognizing individuals or organizations for their outstanding contributions to the understanding of George Washington's life and legacy.