George Washington
The Life Story of America’s First President
Early Life (1732–1752)
George Washington was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia, to Augustine Washington and Mary Ball Washington. He grew up in a relatively prosperous family that owned tobacco plantations and slaves. George was the eldest of six children from his father’s second marriage.
At the age of 11, George’s father passed away, leaving the family estate to his older half-brothers. This forced George to mature quickly, and he began managing parts of the family property at a young age. He received a basic education, mainly focusing on mathematics, surveying, and manners. However, his formal education ended when he was about 15 years old.
Early Career: Surveyor and Soldier (1752–1758)
In his late teens, George Washington became a skilled surveyor, a profession that allowed him to explore the Virginia wilderness and acquire valuable land. In 1752, his older half-brother Lawrence, who had been a father figure to him, died of tuberculosis. Lawrence’s death left George with the family estate of Mount Vernon.
Washington’s military career began in 1753 when he was appointed as a major in the Virginia militia. The following year, he was sent on a dangerous mission to deliver…
