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Last Updated:
2024-02-09 01:20:19

George Washington

First U.S. President and Founding Father.
First U.S. President and Founding Father.

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'.

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1674
Mount Vernon Granted to the Washington Family

In 1674, Mount Vernon was granted to the Washington Family.

1731-02
Birth of George Washington

George Washington was born in February 1731 in Westmoreland County, Virginia.

1732-02-22
Birth of George Washington

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.

1732-02-22
Birth of George Washington

George Washington, the first President of the United States, was born on February 22, 1732.

1733-02-22
Birth of George Washington

George Washington, the first President of the United States, was born on February 22, 1733.

1734
Construction of Mount Vernon Mansion

The construction of the Mount Vernon Mansion took place in 1734.

1735
Construction of the original house for Augustine Washington

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.

1738
Washington Family Moves to Ferry Farm

The Washington family moved to Ferry Farm, a plantation on the Rappahannock River near Fredericksburg. George Washington spent most of his youth here.

1742
Birth of George Washington

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.

1743-02-22
George Washington becomes the first President of the United States

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.

1743-04-12
Death of Augustine Washington

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.

1748
Washington's Surveying Expedition with George William Fairfax

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.

1749-03
Appointment as County Surveyor

George Washington was appointed as the county surveyor of Culpeper at the age of seventeen, marking an early milestone in his career.

1749-12-13
Birth of George Washington

George Washington was born on December 13, 1749.

1751-11-17
George Washington contracts smallpox

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.

1752
George Washington's Inheritance and Farming

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.

1753
George Washington's Mission to the Ohio Valley

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.

1753-02-22
George Washington

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.

1754-05-28
Washington's Attack on Fort Duquesne

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.

1755
Battle near the Monongahela River

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.

1758
George Washington's First Election Loss

George Washington lost his first public office election, but later went on to win his second race.

1759-01-06
Marriage of George and Martha Washington

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.

1761
Inheritance of Mount Vernon by George Washington

In 1761, Mount Vernon was inherited by George Washington.

1773
Early Career of 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.

1774-07-06
Fairfax County Resolves

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.

1774-07-18
Presentation of Fairfax Resolves

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.

1774-09-05
First Continental Congress

George Washington serves as a delegate from Virginia at the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia, where the Colonies address the growing conflict with Parliament.

1774-10-09
Washington's Response to Captain Robert Mackenzie

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.

1775-06-15
Appointment as Commander-in-chief of the Continental Army

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.

1775-07-03
George Washington Appointed as Commander-in-Chief

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.

1776-08-27
The Battle of Long Island

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.

1776-10-28
The Battle of White Plains

William Howe's regulars attacked and defeated Washington's Continental Army at White Plains as part of the 1776 New York Campaign.

1776-12-25
The Battle of Trenton

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.

1776-12-26
The Battle of White Plains

William Howe's regulars attacked and defeated Washington's Continental Army at White Plains as part of the 1776 New York Campaign.

1776-12-27
Congress gives Washington special powers

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.

1776-12-31
Washington re-enlists free Negroes

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.

1777-01-03
The Battle of Princeton

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.

1777-04-12
British General Charles Cornwallis opens the 1777 campaign in New Jersey

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.

1777-04-17
Washington writes General William Maxwell

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.

1777-05-29
Washington moves his headquarters to Middlebrook

George Washington relocates his headquarters to Middlebrook, south of Morristown, marking a strategic move during the Revolutionary War.

1777-06-20
Washington writes Congress and General Philip Schuyler

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.

1777-06-27
The Marquis de Lafayette arrives in Philadelphia

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.

1777-07-11
Washington writes Congress requesting Benedict Arnold's deployment

George Washington writes to Congress requesting the deployment of Benedict Arnold to halt British General John Burgoyne's invasion of New York from Canada.

1777-07-23
General Sir William Howe sets sail from New York City

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.

1777-08-03
British Colonel Barry St. Leger lays siege to Fort Stanwix

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.

1777-08-06
The Battle of Oriskany

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.

1777-09-11
Battle of Brandywine

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.

1778-06-05
Letter to George Washington

A letter addressed to George Washington on June 5, 1778.

1778-07-04
George Rogers Clark captures Kaskaskia

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.

1778-07-22
George Washington writes to Philip Schuyler

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.

1778-11-14
Washington writes to Henry Laurens about a French campaign against the British in Canada

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.

1779-03-06
Washington directs Sullivan to respond to attacks on frontier settlements

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.

1779-03-20
Washington responds to Henry Laurens's letter on raising a black regiment

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.

1779-09-27
Washington writes state governors about reports of the arrival of a French Fleet

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.

1779-10-04
Washington writes Congress and Comte d'Estaing about organizing a cooperative effort with the French fleet

Washington writes Congress and Comte d'Estaing about his efforts at organizing a cooperative effort with the French fleet to attack the British.

1780-04-21
Benjamin Lincoln's Letter to Sir Henry Clinton

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.

1780-10-02
Execution of John André

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.

1781-08-19
Washington and Rochambeau March South

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.

1781-09-09
George Washington's Role in the Battle of the Chesapeake

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.

1782-03-17
Letter to his Excellency George Washington

A letter addressed to George Washington on March 17th, 1782.

1782-08-07
Creation of Military Badges by George Washington

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.

1782-09-07
Letter to George Washington

A letter addressed to George Washington on September 7, 1782.

1783-03-15
Washington Delivers the Newburgh Address

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.

1783-04-18
Cessation of Hostilities between the United States and Great Britain

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.

1783-04-23
Washington Sends Proclamation to Sir Guy Carleton

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.

1783-07-22
Address of the Citizens of Philadelphia to George Washington

On July 22, 1783, the citizens of Philadelphia presented an address to George Washington, expressing their gratitude and admiration towards him.

1783-09-21
Address of the Citizens of Philadelphia to George Washington

On September 21, 1783, the citizens of Philadelphia once again addressed George Washington, showing their respect and support for him.

1783-10-02
Address to George Washington

On October 2, 1783, another address was directed towards George Washington, recognizing his significant contributions to the country.

1783-10-13
Address to George Washington

A message was conveyed to George Washington on October 13, 1783, acknowledging his leadership and role in shaping the nation's future.

1783-11-02
Washington's Farewell Orders to the Continental Army

In his farewell orders to the Continental Army, Washington acknowledges the disadvantageous circumstances under which the war was undertaken.

1783-12-04
Washington Parts from Officers at Fraunces Tavern

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.

1783-12-23
Resignation of Military Commission

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.

1783-12-24
Washington Arrives at Mount Vernon

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.

1784
Second major expansion project of the Mansion

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.

1787
Washington's Support of the Constitution

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.

1788-06-21
Constitution Ratified

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.

1789-02-04
Electors cast ballots in Electoral College, New York City; Washington elected.

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.

1789-04-30
Inauguration of George Washington as the First President

George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States on April 30, 1789.

1789-04-30
Inauguration of George Washington as U.S. President

On April 30, 1789, George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States.

1789-05-08
Message Replying to House of Representatives.

On May 8, 1789, George Washington sent a message replying to the House of Representatives, addressing important matters of governance and policy.

1789-05-18
Message Replying to the Senate.

On May 18, 1789, George Washington sent a message replying to the Senate, engaging in the legislative process and communication with the Senate.

1790-05-31
Correspondence to George Washington

On May 31, 1790, another letter was sent to George Washington, continuing the correspondence.

1790-12-13
Creation of National Bank

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.

1791-02-25
Establishment of the First Bank of the United States

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.

1791-09-09
Naming of the Capital

Commissioners name the territory within the District of Columbia the city of Washington in honor of the nation's first President.

1791-10-25
Commissioners name the territory within the District of Columbia as the 'City of Washington'

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.

1791-12-15
Ratifying the Bill of Rights

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.

1792-01-12
Appointing Thomas Pinckney as U.S. Minister to England

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.

1792-10-13
Laying the Cornerstone for the President's Mansion

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.

1792-11-06
Fourth Annual State of the Union Address

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.

1792-12-01
Washington Reelected

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.

1792-12-05
Washington Reelected Unanimously

On December 5, 1792, electors cast their ballots and unanimously reelected George Washington as the President of the United States.

1793-04-22
Proclaiming Neutrality

President Washington issues a proclamation of neutrality, warning Americans to avoid aiding either side in the emerging conflict between Britain and revolutionary France.

1793-05-18
Receiving French Envoy

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.

1793-08-19
Controversy with France's envoy

President Washington summoned Randolph for an explanation of the French dispatch, which led to controversy and scandal.

1793-09-18
Laying of Southeast Cornerstone of Capitol Building

President George Washington participates in the ceremony of laying the southeast cornerstone of the Capitol Building in the federal district.

1793-10-01
Straining relations with Britain

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.

1793-12-03
Fifth Annual State of the Union Address

President George Washington delivers the Fifth Annual State of the Union Address to Congress.

1793-12-31
Jefferson resignation

On December 31, 1793, Thomas Jefferson resigned as secretary of state, leading to President Washington appointing Edmund Randolph as his successor.

1794-03-11
Authorization of Warship Production and Embargo on American Shipping

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.

1794-03-26
Announcement of Sixty-day Embargo on American Shipping

In response to British aggression, the Congress announces a sixty-day embargo on American shipping. The Washington administration supports this measure.

1794-04-16
Selection of John Jay as Special Envoy to Britain

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.

1794-07-01
Farmers' Rebellion in Western Pennsylvania

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.

1794-11-19
Signing of Jay Treaty

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.

1795-11-19
Jay Treaty

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.

1795-12-08
Seventh Annual State of the Union Address

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.

1796-03-30
Special Message to the House regarding The Jay Treaty

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.

1796-09-17
Washington Farewell Address

Washington Farewell Address is famous for emphasizing the importance of national unity and warning against entanglement, partisanship, and regionalism.

1796-09-19
Washington's Farewell Address

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.

1796-11-04
Treaty with Tripoli

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.

1797-03-04
Resignation of George Washington

George Washington resigned from the presidency on March 4, 1797, after serving two terms and setting a precedent for future presidents.

1799
Death of George Washington

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.

1799
Death of George Washington

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.

1799-12-14
Death of George Washington

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.

1801-01-01
Emancipation of 123 enslaved individuals

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.

1824-05
Votes in favor of U.S. Senate version of tariff bill

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.

1853
Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union established

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.

1858
Purchased by the MVLA

In 1858, the Washingtons' Estate was purchased by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA).

1964
Index of George Washington Papers

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.

2022
George Washington Prize

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.

End of the Timeline
George Washington

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George Washington

First U.S. President and Founding Father.
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