Gilbert stuart williamstown portrait of george washington

George Washington Timeline

By The Anh
  • Birth

    Birth
    George Washington was born into a wealthy farming family in Virginia.
  • Land Surveying

    Land Surveying
    At the age of 17 George Washington became a government land surveyor, someone who calculates and measures the distance between land.
  • Colonial Militia

    Colonial Militia
    George Washington joined the colonial militia, a voluntary army, and would later fight in a battle that led to the French and Indian war.
  • Joining House of Burgesses

    Joining House of Burgesses
    George Washington joins the House of Burgesses.
  • Leaving the Militia

    Leaving the Militia
    After a few years of service, George Washington left the militia as a full colonel, and known for his bravery.
  • Commander in Chief

    Commander in Chief
    George Washington became the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army after war broke out.
  • Intolerable Acts

    Intolerable Acts
    Britain passed the intolerable acts, leading George Washington and others to believe they should separate from the British Government.
  • Delaware Battle

    Delaware Battle
    George Washington led a surprise attack on ice clogged Delaware-River, leading to an early victory for the colonists.
  • Battle of Yorktown

    Battle of Yorktown
    He led the army to the Battle of Yorktown, Virginia, which would result in a victory for the colonists.
  • Legacy Remains

    Legacy Remains
    His leadership remains written in the Bill of Rights , showing his legacy.
  • Becoming President

    Becoming President
    George Washington is elected first president of United States.
  • Ratification of Bill of Rights

    Ratification of Bill of Rights
    George Washington oversees the ratification of the bill of rights.
  • Initial View on Slavery

    Initial View on Slavery
    George Washington fought for freedom, but believed not everyone deserved it, owning over a hundred slaves.
  • Final View of Slavery

    Final View of Slavery
    He fully believes slaves should be freed, though does not speak publicly about it, as it might tear the country apart.
  • Changing Views on Slavery

    Changing Views on Slavery
    His views on slavery started slowly changing due to Northern influence.
  • Release upon Death

    Release upon Death
    Upon his death, he freed all the slaves that worked for him at the time.
  • Broken Legacy

    Broken Legacy
    George Washington's 2-term legacy was broken by President Franklin Roosevelt.
  • 22nd Amendment is Ratified

    22nd Amendment is Ratified
    The 22nd amendment was ratified, making presidents only be able to serve 2-terms.
  • Mount Vernon is still open to public

    Mount Vernon is still open to public
    George Washington’s mansion in Mount Vernon is still open to the public.