George Washington :: essays research papers

George Washington was commandant in chief of the Continental army during the American Revolution and branch president of the United States (1789-97). Early Life and Career.Born in Westmoreland County, Va., on Feb. 22, 1732, George Washington was the eldest son of Augustine Washington and his second wife, Mary wind Washington, who were prosperous Virginia gentry of English descent. George spent his early years on the family estate on Popes Creek along the Potomac River. His early education include the study of such subjects as mathematics, surveying, the classics, and "rules of civility." His father died in 1743, and short thereafter George went to live with his half brother Lawrence at Mount Vernon, Lawrences plantation on the Potomac. Lawrence, who became something of a substitute father for his brother, had married into the Fairfax family, prominent and influential Virginians who helped rig Georges career. An early ambition to go to sea had been effectively discourage d by Georges mother instead, he turned to surveying, securing (1748) an appointment to survey Lord Fairfaxs lands in the Shenandoah Valley. He helped lay out the Virginia town of Belhaven (now Alexandria) in 1749 and was appointed surveyor for Culpeper County. George accompanied his brother to Barbados in an effort to cure Lawrence of tuberculosis, but Lawrence died in 1752, soon after the brothers returned. George ultimately inherited the Mount Vernon estate. By 1753 the growing arguing between the British and French over control of the Ohio Valley, soon to combust into the French and Indian War (1754-63), created new opportunities for the ambitious young Washington. He first gained public notice when, as adjutant of one of Virginias foursome military districts, he was dispatched (October 1753) by Gov. Robert Dinwiddie on a fruitless burster to warn the French commander at Fort Le gripe against further encroachment on territory claimed by Britain. Washingtons diary story of the dangers and difficulties of his journey, published at Williamsburg on his return, may have helped win him his ensue promotion to lieutenant colonel. Although only 22 years of age and deficient experience, he learned quickly, meeting the problems of recruitment, supply, and desertions with a combination of brashness and aborigine ability that earned him the respect of his superiors. French and Indian War.In April 1754, on his way to establish a post at the Forks of the Ohio (the current billet of Pittsburgh), Washington learned that the French had already erected a fort there.