PRESIDENTS DAY
Born: February 22, 1732 in Westmoreland County, Virginia.
Education: Schooled at home and then trained in surveying.
Occupation: Soldier, surveyor, planter. Led troops under General Braddock in French and Indian Wars; named head of Continental Armies in 1775, led the major battles of the Revolution and accepted British surrender at Yorktown in 1781. Retired from Army in 1783.
Religion: Episcopalian
Family life: Married Martha Dandridge Curtis, a widow with two children in 1759. Martha died of "severe fever" on May 22, 1802.
Political career: Became a member of Virginia House of Burgesses in 1758, and gradually became active in colonial politics. Delegate to Continental Congresses, 1774-75, and elected commander. After the war, he became involved in organization of new federal government; presided over Constitutional Convention; unanimously elected first president in 1789. Refused third term in office, 1796 and retired to Mount Vernon.
Highlights of his presidency: Established the Bank of the United States and a postal system, created West Point, put down the Whiskey Rebellion.
Appearance: Tall (6 feet 2 inches) and powerfully built, sandy hair, blue eyes.
Died: December 14, 1799 at Mount Vernon, Virginia.
Burried: Both Martha and George lie buried at Mount Vernon, where Washington himself had planned an unpretentious tomb for them.
