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George Washington Starts his Military Career
At a young age Washington wanted a military career His older half-brother Lawrence was a big influence on young George. George learned many things from Lawrence including surveying, Lawrence was a officer in the British Army and served as an Adjutant for Virginia. Following in his brother's footsteps, George Washington was appointed to Adjutant for Virginia's southern district, which stretched from the James River to the North Carolina Border. -
Washington Selected as British Emissary to French Frontier
In October of 1753, Washington traveled to Williamsburg, VA to meet with Lieutenant Governor Robert Dinwiddle to volunteer to be the British emissary to the French Frontier. Dinwiddle accepted him as emissary. Washington was sent with a letter from Dinwiddle to be given to the French at a fort in the Ohio River Valley. Twice he met with French Captains and twice the letter was refused. Washington returned to Dinwiddle, reporting that he felt the French's activities were a threat to them. -
Washington Goes Into Battle
During the French and Indian war, Washington marched 159 men with few supplies to construct the British Fort, Monongahala. Although the Fort had been attacked by the French when Washington arrived, he elected to continue his march against the French troops. Along with Tanacharison and his warriors Washington surprised the French camp and was able to capture the men there. Soon after Washington established Fort Necessity which was later taken by the French. -
Washington Returns to Military Life
After the capture of Fort Necessity, Washington resigned his position in the military and returned home to Virginia. He returned to his military career in March of 1755 under to command of General Edward Braddock of Virginia. Braddock offered him an aide position. This was the first time Washington had the opportunity to serve under a experienced military professional. Washington truly respected General Edward Braddock and learned much from his experience with him. -
Washington Appointed Commander of Continental Army
One June 15, 1775 George Washington was unanimously appointed commander in chief of the Continental Army. The army was made up mostly of militia who would fight during the summer months and return home in the fall. Most of these men were poorly trained and had little supplies. Washington himself had little experience commanding large groups of men. He had learned from his experiences of the past though and would become a great commander. -
Turning Point for Washington
On this day, Washington wrote to the governor of New York, George Clinton explaining to him the dire circumstances he was under.This winter in Valley Forge had taken a toll on his troops. Supplies were extremely low. Many men were struck with disease and many were dying of starvation. Washington wrote to Clinton asking for help of any kind he could provide. -
Washington Returns
After the Revolutionary war Washington once again retired to his home in Virginia. In May of 1787 Washington traveled to Philadelphia to attend a convention to recommend changes to the Articles of Confederation. He believed the Articles needed to be reformed. He was unanimously voted to preside over the convention. Washington worked for months to rally support for the new Constitution. After it was finally approved, he hoped to retire once more to his home in Virginia. -
Washington Becomes President
Although Washington had planned to retire after the Constitution was approved, he was once again unanimously voted to be the First President of the United States. He served tow terms and worked to organize the newly formed government's executive branch. He surrounded himself with the most able men in the new nation. He ruled with fairness and integrity, without corruption. He established many precedents.
