General, President, Founding Father
Like Benjamin Franklin, George Washington is remembered as a
Founding Father of our country. Unlike Franklin, who worked
privately, Washington was the public leader of an infant
nation. Born in Virginia on February 22, 1732, Washington
served as Commander in Chief of the colonial forces in the
American Revolution. History tells of his strength and
leadership as the weakened colonial troops battled against
the mighty British armies. Where others might have given up,
Washington fought on. After victory against England, George
Washington was unanimously elected as the first president of
the United States of America. On April 30, 1789, he
delivered his inaugural address in New York City.
Washington served his country with honor, pride, and
dignity. He brought respect to the office of the President,
serving as a role model for later presidents. On September
17, 1796, Washington peacefully turned over the power of the
presidency to John Adams.
Although he had no children of his own, George Washington
was a devoted husband and father to his stepchildren. After
leaving office, he returned to his family home, Mount
Vernon, in Virginia. Just over three years later, on
December 14, 1799, George Washington died at home of a cold
he had caught two days earlier.
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