George Washington

George Washington was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia in 1732. His family belonged to the wealthy provincial gentry, giving him an influential position. Washington was a senior officer in the French and Indian War, and during the American Revolution, he was chosen to be the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. Washington also presided over the Constitutional Convention. In 1789, Washington was elected as the first President of the United States. As President, Washington attempted to unify the nation, pay off the national debt, and implement a tax system to create a national bank. In 1797, Washington retired from the presidency and spent his final years at his home of Mount Vernon.