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George WashingtonGeorge Washington, the first president of the United States, was central to America's founding—both as the military leader who secured independence and as the political leader who stabilized the new republic. With limited formal education, he began working as a professional surveyor at age 17, mapping frontier lands in Virginia. That early experience led to a military career, including a key role in catalyzing the French and Indian War.
As commander in chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, Washington held together an underfunded, divided force against Great Britain, arguably the world's most powerful empire at the time. He avoided decisive defeat, managed fragile alliances, enforced civilian control of the military, and endured years of setbacks until the colonies' eventual victory. Washington later presided over the 1787 Constitutional Convention.
As the nation's first president, Washington implemented a new constitutional framework, maintained neutrality during wars between Britain and France, and contained partisan infighting, regional tensions, and domestic rebellion. After serving two terms, Washington voluntarily stepped aside, a precedent that lasted over a century and was later enshrined in the Constitution by the 22nd Amendment. Washington's legacy is complicated by his ownership of more than a hundred slaves during his lifetime. In his will, he provided for the emancipation of all the enslaved people he personally owned—an uncommon step among slave-owning Founders. Explore George Washington
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In a letter, George Washington assured a Jewish congregation that the new government gives 'to bigotry no sanction'In 1790, President Washington visited Newport's Touro Synagogue and received a welcoming letter from its warden. Washington's reply—considered his clearest statement on religious tolerance—assured the congregation that under the new government, religious freedom would be protected as a fundamental right. George Washington's Mount VernonJohn Marshall maintained a lifelong connection to George WashingtonMarshall served under Washington in the Continental army, later delivered a memorial address following his death, and chaired the funeral arrangements. He also authored a five-volume, 3,200-page biography, "The Life of George Washington." Virginia Museum of History & CultureGeorge Washington was an expert in maps and cartographyTrained as a surveyor, Washington routinely studied, annotated, and drew maps throughout his life. He relied on cartography to navigate frontier lands, plan military campaigns across vast distances, and make strategic decisions on borders, settlement, and governance. Smithsonian MagazineGeorge Washington was an innovative farmer, experimenting with over 60 crops at Mount VernonWashington implemented elaborate crop rotation, soil conservation, and sophisticated husbandry methods on his farm. He carefully managed crops, redesigned barns for efficiency, and diversified into milling, fishing, and distilling. George Washington's Mount VernonGeorge Washington married Martha Dandridge Custis in 1759Before marrying George Washington, Martha Dandridge Curtis was a wealthy widow with two children. Their marriage formed a stable personal and economic partnership. She managed Mount Vernon during Washington's absences and later played a central role as a political host and confidant throughout his public life. Colonial WilliamsburgThe portrait of George Washington was first placed on the one-dollar bill in 1869Trace the history of the US dollar from its colonial roots to its adoption as the national currency. The video explores the word's Germanic origins, how the dollar sign evolved from the Spanish peso, and how Washington's portrait came to define US paper currency. Two CentsGeorge Washington's birthday was a federal holiday until it was moved to the third Monday in February in 1968Washington's February 22 birthday became a federal holiday in 1879. A 1968 law moved it to the third Monday in February, and decades of advertising popularized the unofficial name "Presidents' Day," which the federal government never formally adopted. George Washington's Mount VernonMany stories about George Washington are legends without evidenceThe famous cherry tree story—where a young Washington admits, "I cannot tell a lie"—was created by biographer Mason Locke Weems. Washington's "wooden teeth" were also a myth: His dentures were made of ivory, metal, and animal teeth. George Washington's Mount VernonGeorge Washington used his Farewell Address to explain his departure and warn the nationIn his 1796 Farewell Address, Washington explained that stepping aside from the presidency would set a republican example of limited power. He also warned against political parties, regional divisions, and permanent foreign alliances that could threaten national unity and independence. George Washington's Mount VernonGeorge Washington had a limited formal education, leaving school at 15A few years after his father died in 1743, Washington's schooling ended. He soon began working as a land surveyor in Virginia. He later assumed management of Mount Vernon at age 22 and became the estate's master at age 29. Americana CornerGeorge Washington's presidency was defined by precedent-setting, restraint, and institution-buildingAs the first president, Washington established lasting norms: enforcing civilian control of the military rather than placing it in the hands of generals, forming a Cabinet, asserting federal authority during the Whiskey Rebellion, and voluntarily stepping down after two terms. UVA Miller CenterDolley Madison rescued George Washington's portrait before the White House burnedAs British troops approached in August 1814, first lady Dolley Madison ordered Gilbert Stuart's full-length portrait of George Washington removed from the White House, which remains displayed in the building today. She also secured key state papers and valuables before fleeing. George Washington's Mount VernonGeorge Washington set the template for the presidencyAs the first US president, George Washington established key traditions still followed today—forming a Cabinet, serving only two terms, asserting executive independence, and peacefully transferring power—helping define how the presidency would function. George Washington's Mount VernonGeorge Washington spent thousands of dollars on ice cream in a single summerRecords show that America's first president purchased a "cream machine for ice" as early as 1784. An accounting record from 1790 reveals that Washington spent $200—roughly equivalent to $6,300 today—on ice cream. Tasting TableGeorge Washington was a fan of barbecueThe first US president celebrated laying the cornerstone of the US Capitol by hosting a barbecue, the centerpiece of which was a 500-pound ox. By the 19th century, barbecue was a standard component of public celebrations, including Independence Day and Memorial Day. Obsessive Compulsive BarbecueGeorge Washington resigned after two terms to avoid the precedent of dying in officeAmerica's first president could have stayed in office longer, but he knew the chances were high he would die in the middle of a term. So he quit after two to signal to future commander-in-chiefs that the presidency was not a lifetime position. 1440American farmers—including George Washington—experimented with coffee farmingTwo coffee plants—an arabica strand and a Kentucky Coffee Tree—continue to grow at Mount Vernon, Washington's iconic Virginia home. The Marquis de Lafayette requested the agrarian commander send him some beans in France. American Battlefield TrustAt 18, Eleanor taught immigrant children in one of New York's poorest neighborhoodsAfter finishing school in London, Roosevelt returned to New York and volunteered at a settlement house on Rivington Street in the Lower East Side, working directly with immigrant families living in poverty. As first lady, Roosevelt held 348 press conferences open only to female reportersStarting just two days after FDR's inauguration in 1933, Eleanor Roosevelt began holding White House press conferences that admitted only female journalists. She continued to hold these events throughout her 12 years as first lady. Roosevelt wrote a nationally syndicated newspaper column 6 days a week for 27 yearsRoosevelt's My Day column was launched in late 1935 and ran nearly every day until shortly before her death in 1962. It began as an account of her daily life but grew into one of the most widely read opinion columns in the country, with 4 million readers at its peak. Marshall served in the Continental army under WashingtonBefore his judicial career, Marshall served in a Virginia regiment during the American Revolution, rising to the rank of captain. He fought at Brandywine and Monmouth, endured the winter at Valley Forge, and developed a personal connection with Gen. George Washington. George Washington's Mount VernonThe oldest restaurants in the USThis list features several establishments that have been around since before the Declaration of Independence, including the White Horse Tavern, in Newport, Rhode Island, and New York's Fraunces Tavern, where George Washington dismissed his troops at the end of the Revolutionary War. Tasting TableHamilton's tax on whiskey sparked the first armed rebellion against US federal authorityAs Treasury secretary, Alexander Hamilton designed an excise tax on whiskey that provoked violent resistance in western Pennsylvania. The Whiskey Rebellion ended when George Washington mobilized state militias under federal authority to enforce the law. George Washington's Mount VernonHamilton was one of Washington's aides during the Revolutionary WarDuring the Revolutionary War, Alexander Hamilton served as a key aide to George Washington, handling correspondence, strategy, and coordination, and serving as a trusted intermediary between Washington, Congress, and senior military leaders. George Washington's Mount VernonHamilton built the foundations of the US financial system as the nation's first Treasury secretaryAppointed the nation's first Treasury secretary in 1789 by George Washington, Alexander Hamilton designed a powerful federal finance system—repaying war debts, creating new taxes, founding a national bank, and promoting economic development. US TreasuryThe State of the Union address was first delivered in New York CityThe first address took place in New York City in 1790, when President George Washington addressed Congress at Federal Hall—the nation's capital under the Articles of Confederation and the seat of the federal government during the Constitution's first year. George Washington's Mount VernonWashington, DC, was designed by French-born architect Pierre L'EnfantPierre Charles L'Enfant was an engineer who fought in the American Revolution. George Washington chose him to design the capital for his military service, artistic training, and vision of a monumental national city. CBS Sunday MorningWashington's military acumen and political judgment were crucial to the Continental Army's successIn this podcast, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Rick Atkinson argues that Washington's endurance, strategic communication, political judgment, and ability to elevate capable subordinates proved decisive, in sharp contrast to the failures of British leadership during the war. George Washington's Mount VernonExplore rare artifacts from the archives at Mount VernonThis series from Washington's Presidential Library showcases rare books, maps, letters, and artifacts from his collection. It illuminates how he learned, governed, traveled, and understood the world around him. George Washington's Mount VernonWashington was elected unanimously twice to the presidencyGeorge Washington was unanimously elected in 1789 and 1792, with every presidential elector casting one of their two votes for him (at the time, each elector cast two votes). He accepted the office reluctantly, seeing it as a duty rather than an ambition. Voice of AmericaWashington (reluctantly) presided over the Constitutional ConventionAs presiding officer, George Washington presided over the Convention's daily proceedings—opening and adjourning sessions, recognizing speakers, enforcing debate rules, and maintaining order. He rarely spoke and used the role to facilitate deliberation rather than steer outcomes directly. National Constitution CenterEmanuel Leutze's painting 'Washington Crossing the Delaware' is one of the defining images of the Revolutionary WarThe scene depicts George Washington leading Continental forces across the icy Delaware River on Christmas Day, 1776, enabling a surprise attack on British-paid mercenary troops at Trenton. This risky maneuver revived the revolution after months of defeat. American Revolution InstituteAt age 22, Washington inadvertently started the French and Indian WarIn 1754, while leading a small Virginia militia force in the Ohio Valley, Washington's troops ambushed a French scouting party. The clash heightened tensions between Britain and France and sparked a broader conflict that soon spread across North America, Europe, and parts of Africa and Asia. George Washington's Mount VernonHear the stories of some of the 577 people enslaved at Mount VernonWashington inherited his first slaves at age 11 and enslaved 123 people at the time of his death. This eight-part podcast traces the lives of eight of them, using their stories to examine how slavery complicates Washington's legacy today. George Washington's Mount VernonThe White House design was chosen through a national competitionIn 1792, President George Washington launched a public contest to design the new executive mansion. Irish-born architect James Hoban's neoclassical plan won the contest. His design was inspired by Dublin's Leinster House, which houses Ireland's parliament. Culture NowBefore the White House was constructed, the president lived and worked in PhiladelphiaFrom 1790 to 1800, the President's House at 6th and Market Street in Philadelphia served as the executive mansion. George Washington and John Adams both served there as president before the capital moved to Washington, DC. The site is a tour of a replica of the house. American Village Citizenship TrustThe framers feared creating another monarchy through an unchecked executiveHaving rebelled against British royal power, the framers deliberately limited the presidency—balancing "energy in the executive" with safeguards against tyranny. Debate at the 1787 Constitutional Convention centered on preventing any return to monarchical rule. George Washington Presidential LibraryAmericans celebrated the end of the Revolutionary War with nationwide toastsIn 1783, citizens celebrated the signing of the Preliminary Articles of Peace with nationwide parties. Across the new country, many made 13 toasts to the 13 states. They also drank to George Washington. One poet in Boston wrote, “Health to his honor I’d freely drink, Had I a glass of wine; And whosoever with me shall think, May mix their toast with mine.” George Washington's Mount VernonThe Americans abandoned Philadelphia to the British in 1777While George Washington's army was encamped in Valley Forge, the British took over the capital of Philadelphia (and the colonies, at the time), including Ben Franklin's house. It wouldn't last long. This is one of a series of podcast episodes exploring the war's battles. Key Battles of the Revolutionary WarAutograph hunters form secretive networks to trade celebrity access tipsInside the rarefied world of the autograph collector, individuals who will go to great lengths to gather celebrities' signatures. the GuardianMajor White House Renovations Through History: PhotosThe White House has long been a work in progress. HISTORY'Rocky Road' was designed to help people cope with the stock market crashIn 1929, ice cream maker William Dreyer marketed Rocky Road as a sweet treat intended to distract consumers from the poor state of the economy. (Some readers may experience a paywall.) The AtlanticWhat "National Treasure" got right—and wrong—about the DeclarationThe 2004 film "National Treasure" imagines a secret map hidden on the Declaration of Independence. This article breaks down which plot points reflect real history—and where Hollywood took liberties with the document, its preservation, and the people it portrays. Harvard University Declaration Resources ProjectWashington sat for a portrait at least 12 times during his careerThose sittings were primarily for painter Charles Willson Peale. Without photographs, capturing the accurate physique of the tall, commanding Washington is difficult—but you can get a sense of his appearance with this collection of paintings over several decades. Mount VernonHow the stock market performed under every US presidentIt's worth noting that the stock market as we know it today didn't exist under the leadership of earlier presidents, such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. KiplingerThe Tariff Act of 1789 was one of America's first actsOne of the first acts ever passed by the United States Congress instituted tariffs on foreign goods. The bill was sponsored by then-Congressman James Madison and signed into law by President George Washington. The goods the first Congress felt necessary to tax included Jamaican rum, playing cards, and—of course—British tea. U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionHarriet Tubman will be featured on the $20 bill in 2028While the face of money is changing, most of the historical figures that grace US currency haven’t changed in a long time. From President George Washington on the $1 bill and quarter to President Abraham Lincoln on the penny and $5 bill, this article details all the people you can find on your cash. BiographyThe favorite restaurants of former US presidentsCurious about the eating habits of past commanders-in-chief? From George Washington to Barack Obama, discover the food preferences of former US presidents. Find out who liked to go out vs. stay in, where they frequented, what they ordered, and how they spent their time in each establishment. MashedThe US embargo on Cuba was designed to cause hardship and eventual regime changeA secret 1960 memo by State Department official Lester Mallory argued that trade restrictions were “the only foreseeable means” to unseat Castro by provoking hunger and desperation. This page compiles declassified US documents detailing that strategy and its aftermath. The George Washington UniversitySee the results of all 59 presidential elections from 1789 to 2024This interactive tool lets users explore the outcomes of every US presidential election from George Washington's uncontested 1789 victory through 2024, showing how electoral votes, state results, and shifting coalitions shaped each race. PBS Electoral Decoder