The father of our country, George Washington, was born on a Virginian plantation in 1732.
Everyone learns that he was the very first American president, but George Washington was a hero in other ways too. His military record, congressional leadership and model citizenship created a mythical image of the man. It would have been easy to let all of this publicity go to his head, but George didn’t. He declined the offer to become the new nation’s king, and instead became the first president in 1789. After serving his country, Washington went home to Mount Vernon to retire, where he later died and was laid to rest.
The legends this larger than life man left behind can be a challenge to sort out. Before you assume information is a fact, double check to make sure they are Facts about George Washington. Here is a Timeline of his life that was put together by elementary students.
Who was he?
George was the son of a landowner, Augustine Washington, and his wife Mary Ball. He had 3 older and 5 younger siblings. After his father died George went to live with his older brother, Lawrence, in Mount Vernon. Here he would learn to survey land, keep accurate financial records, hunt and fish, ride horses, and develop proper manners. No one really knows what kind of schooling George had, it is assumed that he taught himself much of what he learned.
His brother helped him get his first job surveying land for Lord Fairfax. He was so good at what he did, Fairfax asked him to continue. A few years later he decided to join the British Army, and soon became a prominent leader in the French and Indian War. He began his political career in 1758 when he was elected to the House of Burgesses in Frederick County (Shenandoah Valley).
George Washington was a man of many talents. It may seem like he didn’t really know what he wanted to do with his life. However, his history shows that he was a self taught man with dignity and honor. He knew when his fellow countrymen needed his assistance and was selfless enough to give what he had. We could all learn a little from him.
Why was he important?
Aside from leading his newly formed country, what made Washington so important? Well, for starters, he was one of the original delegates to the Continental Congress. If it wasn’t for these men, the Declaration of Independence would have never been drafted, and we would all still be subjects to the British Crown. As a general in the Continental Army, Washington led his troops to victory. Despite hardships, lack of food and clothing, and illness his leadership may have been the determining factor in the outcome of the Revolutionary War.
Some interesting facts about George:
One of his favorite foods was ice cream!
As a child he dreamt of becoming a sailor.
He never had any of his own children, but he helped raise his step-children and later two grandchildren.
His first set of dentures weren’t made of wood; rather they were fashioned out of Hippopotamus ivory.
He stood over 6 feet tall, but had a hard time speaking in public.
