-
George Washington was born
Washington was born in Westmore land County, Virginia. -
Thomas Jefferson is born.
Thomas Jefferson is born at Shadwell plantation in Virginia. When Tom is 3, his family moves 70 miles away to Tuckahoe plantation to care for relatives. -
Tom goes to school with Reverend William Douglas
Tom learns to read at an early age. By age 6 he has read his father's entire 20 volume library. When Tom turns 9, his father sends him to Reverend William Douglas from whom he learns Latin, Greek, and French. -
French and Indian War
George Washington was given the rank of major in this war. His job was to see how strong the French were at Ohio Country Valley. -
Battle of Monongahela
This battle happened on July 9th. Washington was serving under General Edward Braddock. The troops were ambushed by the French and Indians. Washington was appointed commander in chief of all Virginia forces. -
Tom's father dies.
When Tom is 14, his father dies. He is left land, animals, and slaves, but he can't receive them until he is 21. Tom goes to school with Reverend James Maury. He enjoys reading from Maury's 400 book library. -
Married
Washington married Martha Dandridge Custis on January 6th. They did not have children together, but Martha had two of her own from a previous marriage. -
Tom goes to the college.
Tom enters the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg in 1760. He meets Dr. William Small, a teacher, George Wythe, a lawyer, and acting governor Francis Fauquier, who influence his views about science and politics. -
Tom marries Martha Wayles Skelton.
Tom marries Martha Wayles Skelton. His daughter named Martha is born that September. -
Tom is chosen as a delegate for the 1st Continental Congress
Tom is elected a delegate for the 1st Continental Congress in 1774 to discuss problems with England. He is too sick to attend, so he sends his pamphlet, A Summary View of the Rights of British America, to share his views. -
Revolutionary Battles
On April 19th shots were fired at Lexington and Concord. George Washington was appointed general and commander-in-chief of the new Continental Army. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th. -
Tom writes the Declaration of Independence.
Tensions continue with England. The 2nd Continental Congress meets. In June Tom is chosen with five others to work on a declaration for independence. He is asked to write what will become one of the United States' most treasured documents. -
Battle of Monmouth
This battle took place on June 27th and 28th in New Jersey. Washington sets up headquarters at West Point on July 8th. On July 10th, France declares war on Britain. -
Peace Plan
A peace plan is approved by Congress stipulating independence and British evacuation of America on August 14th. -
Tom becomes governor.
Tom serves as a legislator for Virginia. He writes, A Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom in 1779. -
Martha dies
Tom's daughter Lucy is born in May of 1782. Martha is weak from the delivery and never recovers. She dies that September. Tom shuts himself in his room for three weeks, mourning his beloved wife. -
Tom goes to France.
In 1784 Congress sends Tom to France to help with trade negotiations. He stays until the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789. -
Elected President
George Washington was unanimously elected as the first president of the United States. He took the oath of office on April 30th in New York City. He was addressed as "Mr. President." -
Tom becomes first Secretary of State.
George Washington, the newly elected first president, wants Tom to be Secretary of State. At first Tom refuses, but then agrees. But with constant tensions between him and Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, Tom resigns in 1793. -
Bill of Rights
On December 15th, the Bill of Rights became law. The first 10 amendments to the Constitution of the United States guarantee basic liberties to Americans. -
Re-elected President
On April 22nd, Washington issued the Neutrality Proclamation to keep the United States out of the war between France and Great Britain. -
Whiskey Rebellion
On August 7th, Washington invoked the Militia Law of 1792 to suppress the Pennsylvania farmers who refused to pay the federal whiskey tax. -
Tom becomes Vice President.
With George Washington retired, Tom runs for president. Because he gets the 2nd highest votes after John Adams, Tom becomes Adams' vice president under the rules at that time. -
George Washington died
George Washington died at Mount Vernon on December 14th. He was 67 years old. In his last will and testament he arranged for all of his slaves to be freed. -
Tom becomes President of the United States.
Tom runs again for president in 1800 and wins. He becomes the first president to be sworn into office in Washington, D.C. He serves for two terms. During his presidency, he doubles the size of the U.S. by buying the Louisiana Territory from Emperor Napoleon. -
Thomas Jefferson dies.
On the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson dies. He will always be remembered as an innovative thinker, a creative individual, and a dedicated Founding Father who served his country well.
