George Washington, an American military officer, statesman, & founding father, died on December 14, 1799. He presided over the country as its first president from 1789 to 1797. Washington, who was chosen as the Continental Army’s commander by the Continental Congress, presided over the 1787 Constitutional Convention, which drafted the American federal constitution and led the Patriot forces to victory in the American Revolution. Because of his numerous acts of leadership during the nation’s early years, Washington has earned the moniker “Father of his Country.”
From 1749 until 1750, Washington held his first elected position: official surveyor of Virginia’s Culpeper County. Later, during the French and Indian War, he obtained his first military instruction (as well as a command with the Virginia Regiment). Later, after being chosen as a delegate to the Continental Congress, he was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses and given the commanding generalship of the Continental Army. During the American Revolutionary War, he led American forces (aligned with France) in the defeat and capitulation of the British at the Siege of Yorktown. Following the 1783 signing of the Treaty of Paris, he resigned from his commission.
The United States Constitution, which replaced the earlier constitution, the Articles of Confederation, was adopted and ratified with significant assistance from Washington. The Electoral College then unanimously voted him president twice. As president, he oversaw the establishment of a robust, well-funded federal government while maintaining his impartiality during a bitter power struggle between Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. He declared neutral during the French Revolution while endorsing the Jay Treaty.
He established longstanding traditions for the presidency, such as using the term “Mr. President” and taking the oath of office on a Bible. His farewell speech is primarily recognized as the most excellent republican argument ever made.
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Washington owned slaves and had a contentious relationship with the institution. Over 577 enslaved people were under his absolute authority during his lifetime; they were compelled to work on his plantations, and anywhere else he resided, including the President’s House in Philadelphia.
In his capacity as president, he approved legislation from Congress that both safeguarded and limited slavery. According to his will, William Lee, one of his slaves, should be freed following his passing, while the other 123 enslaved people must serve his wife and are released following her passing. She set them free while still alive to eliminate the motivation for hastening her demise.
He made an effort to integrate Native Americans into Anglo-American society. But throughout the Revolutionary War and the Northwest Indian War, he engaged in military operations against hostile Native American groups. He advocated for widespread religious freedom in his capacities as general and president. He was a member of the Anglican Church and the Freemasons. Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee praised him after his death, calling him “first in war, first in peace, and first in the affections of his countrymen.”
Many academics and regular Americans consider Washington one of the greatest U.S. presidents. He is commemorated through monuments, a federal holiday, different media portrayals, physical sites, including the nation’s capital and the State of Washington, stamps, and money. Washington received a posthumous promotion to the United States Army’s highest rank, General of the Armies of the United States, in 1976.
How Tall Was George Washington?
George Washington measured 188 cm, or 6’2″. There has been much written about how tall he was. Jefferson, though, stood 6′ 2 1/2″ (189 cm) taller.
George Washington Salary
George Washington received an annual salary of $3,000 while serving in government. Additionally, George Washington was given $500 to cover his costs, including food and dry cleaning. Additionally, George Washington earned a trip stipend of $1,000. George Washington and his family received $800 to cover the cost of the White House’s renovations.
Who Inherited George Washington’s Wealth?
After his death, John and Patsy Parke Custis, George Washington’s two children, received the entire estate.
George Washington Assets & Investments
George Washington also participated in politics for more than 30 years. It seems unlikely that such a long tenure would be possible without substantial financial support. The holdings of George Washington include 12 real estate properties, seven automobiles, and two opulent ships. George Washington additionally had cash reserves totaling more than $32 million protected in banks by bank deposits and government bonds.
Married Martha Dandridge Custis
George Washington married Martha Dandridge Custis, the 27-year-old widow of wealthy plantation owner Daniel Parke Custis, on January 6, 1759, when he was 26. In his political activity, George Washington supported his friend George William Fairfax’s campaign to represent the area in the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1755. To impose an embargo on products from Great Britain, George Washington became more politically involved in 1769, introducing legislation in the Virginia Assembly.
Is George Washington First U.S President?
The Convention’s delegates expected George Washington to be president and gave him the authority to define the position after his election. On April 30, 1789, Washington became president after taking the oath of office at Federal Hall in New York City. Despite George Washington’s desire to serve without compensation, Congress demanded vehemently that he take it, eventually giving him $25,000 per year to cover the costs of the presidency.
George Washington’s reputation has come under scrutiny in the twenty-first century. However, George Washington continues to rate among the top American presidents, coming in second (behind Lincoln) in a 2021 C-SPAN poll.