 Way Back When
George Washinton: Father of His Country
 Way back when, on February 22, 1732, George Washington was born. He is called father of his country because of all the great things he did for the United States.
George Washington was the oldest son of Augustine Washington and Mary Ball Washington. He was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia. When he was only 11 years old, George Washingtons father died, and George went to live with his brother Augustine at Wakefield. While there, he attended Henry Williams school, one of the best schools in Virginia. By age 15, George was good at math and skilled in mapmaking. He was also interested in surveying. He later went to live with his brother Lawrence at Mount Vernon, Virginia. In 1749, George Washington was appointed surveyor of Culpeper County
this was his first public office.
When the United States was still a group of British colonies, Great Britain fought France in the French and Indian War. The colonies were attacked by French troops and their Native American allies. Washington led the troops of Virginia to protect the colonies. Soon after the French and Indian War, in 1775, the colonies fought for independence from Great Britain in the American Revolution. Washington was chosen to
command the army once again. He suffered several defeats from the British army, but led the colonies to victory and freedom.
Washington was elected as the presiding officer for the Constitutional Convention, the group that wrote the Constitution. Before this convention, the United States government was set up by a document called the Articles of Confederation. These Articles did not work as well as people hoped, so the Constitution was written under Washingtons direction.
When it came time to nominate a person for the first president of the United States, the state electors all voted for Washington. He served two terms of four years. For 144 years, all the presidents followed his example and only served two terms.
Washington died on December 14, 1799, in his estate at Mount Vernon, Virginia.
Ashley Genova is a freelance writer from Fayetteville, NC. Source: Britannica Encyclopedia Online.
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