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Washington's Birth
George Washington would be born at Popes Creek Plantation in Virginia. He would only live here until he was about 3 years old, after which he would move to Little Hunting Creek and Ferry Farm between the ages of 4 and 7 at various times with his family. -
The Death of Augustine Washington
Georges' father Augustine Washington dies when his son is just eleven years old, forcing him to shoulder weighty family burdens at a young age. -
Washington's Early Career
After going on several surveying trips with Lord Fairfax and taking an interest in the profession, George Washington at age 16 would become the official surveyor of Culpepper County Virginia. -
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Influence of Survey
In 1750 Washington abandoned his position as an official surveyor but persisted in his profession for around two years after this until receiving a military appointment as adjutant for southern Virginia. Although Washington did not survey professionally after this date he would still continue to utilize his survey skills, often for the purpose of acquiring new land for himself, defending his property boundaries, or dividing his holdings into profitable farms. -
George Washington Joins the Virginia Militia
At the age of twenty-one Washington joins the Virginia Militia with the hopes that it would lead to getting a better paying and more prestigious position in the regular British Army. -
The Death of Lawrence Washington
George Washington's half brother Lawrence Washington passes away at the age of thirty four. However, this was not the first of his siblings to have died at such a young age, or even younger, as many of them did. This combined with the death of his father would influence Washington to live as healthy as he could throughout his entire life. Aware of the limited life expectancy of the time Washington exercised, ate and drank moderately, attempted to get enough sleep, and avoided tobacco. -
Quickly Exceling
George Washington is appointed Major in the Virginia Militia. -
Once Again Making Strides
George Washington receives a commission as Lieutenant Colonel in the newly formed, colony-wide Virginia Regiment. -
First Skirmish of the French and Indian War
Colonel Washington successfully attacks the French camp at fort Duquesne marking the first encounter of the French and Indian War. -
Victory Over Duquesne
After Washington successfully drives the French away from fort Duquesne, he decides to resign his commission as Colonel when he fails to acquire a commission as a British Officer. -
The Start of the Revolutionary War
The Second Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia to address the shots fired in Lexington and the start of the Revolutionary War. Washington attends in full military uniform and is later appointed General and Commander-in-Chief of the new Continental Army by the Second Continental Congress. -
A Rough Start
After Washington is forced to retreat at the Battle of Long Island and the Battle of White Plains, the American Army crosses the Delaware and launch a surprise attack on the Hessians in Trenton. -
The Battle of Monmouth
The Battle of Monmouth occurs in New Jersey, the Continental Army catching up with and attacking the British. -
Yorktown Showdown
British general Cornwallis traps himself in Yorktown and enables the French and American Armies to overpower the British fortifications and force a surrender. -
The End of The Revolutionary War
England declares an end to hostilities toward America, signing the Treaty of Paris along with the United States officially ending the American War for Independence. -
The first President of the United States
George Washington is unanimously elected as the first president of the United States and is the first person to take the oath of office in his position. -
The Capital
Congress asks George Washington to to select the location of the permanent capital, to which he chooses a location on the banks of the Potomac River. -
Second Term
George Washington is unanimously re-elected for a second term and issues the Neutrality Proclamation to keep the United States out of the war between France and Great Britain -
The Jay Treaty
George Washington signs the Jay Treaty in order to maintain trade with Great Britain. -
Washington's Retirement
George Washington publishes his Farewell address which is issued in the form of public letter, and later retires to his home in Mount Vernon.