George Washington | Miller Center
- ️Tue Jan 28 2025
1732 - 1799
The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government. But the constitution which at any time exists till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people is sacredly obligatory upon all. Farewell Address
Overview
George Washington was born to Mary Ball and Augustine Washington on February 22, 1732. As the third son of a middling planter, George probably should have been relegated to a footnote in a history book. Instead, he became one of the greatest figures in American history.
A series of personal losses changed the course of George’s life. His father, Augustine, died when he was eleven years old, ending any hopes of higher education. Instead, Washington spent many of his formative years under the tutelage of Lawrence, his favorite older brother....
Fast Facts
George Washington
February 22, 1732
December 14, 1799
Pope’s Creek, Virginia
The equivalent of an elementary school education
Federalist
“Father of His Country”
January 6, 1759, to Martha Dandridge Custis (1731–1802)
Family vault, Mount Vernon, Virginia
Chicago Style
Miller Center of Public Affairs, University of Virginia. “George Washington.” Accessed February 21, 2025. https://millercenter.org/president/washington.
Lindsay M. Chervinsky
Dr. Lindsay M. Chervinsky is a presidential historian and the Executive Director of the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon. She received her B.A. with honors in history and political science from George Washington University, her masters and Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis, and her postdoctoral fellowship from Southern Methodist University.