|
|
Article: Washington, George
- Article from:
- Gale Encyclopedia of U.S. Economic History
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2000 The Gale Group Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
WASHINGTON, GEORGE
George Washington (1732
–
1799) was commander-in-chief of the Continental forces during the American Revolution (1775
–
1783). He also served as the first President of the United States and was responsible for building much of the country's political and economic structure. Washington served two terms as president before retiring to his estate in Mount Vernon, Virginia.
George Washington was born at Bridges Creek in Westmoreland County, Virginia, on February 22, 1732. He was the first child of Augustine Washington and his second wife, Mary Ball. His father was a middling planter who owned about 10,000 acres of land. Augustine Washington was also very active ...