George Washington

George Washington was the primary political and military leader of the United States of America from 1775-1797. As the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, he led the Americans to victory over their British occupiers in the American Revolutionary War. He helped create the government and the political traditions we still keep today. Growing up in Westmoreland County, Virginia, Washington ran a tobacco plantation using slaves as his primary harvesters. He later became a surveyor and helped to lay down the plans to Culpeper County. His military service began when he was the colonel of the colonial militia that served in the French and Indian War. Because of his expertise in warfare and patriotism, the Second Continental Congress selected him as the leader of the Continental Army. After helping to bring American victory in the War for Independence, Washington was immediately made the 1st President of the United States.