Personal Information

Personal Information

Name
George Washington

Born
George was born on February 22, 1732 on the family farm located between the Potomac and the Rappahanock in Virginia in Westmoreland County.

Height
6 Feet 2 Inches

Religion
Episcopalian. George Washington was baptized on April 5, 1732.
His godfathers were Beverley Whiting and Captain Christopher Brooks.
His godmother was Mrs. Mildred Gregory.

Ancestry
English

Education
Common School. George ceased formal education when he was only sixteen years old, but he did a lot of studying on his own and was bestowed honorary degrees by five of the country's foremost colleges.

Occupation
Surveyor, Planter

Died
George Washington died on December 14, 1799. He was buried in the family vault in Mount Vernon, Virginia. George was 67 years old at the time of his death.

Family History

Married
George married Martha Dandridge Custis on January 6, 1759 in Kent County, Virginia -- George was 26 years old and Martha was 27. Martha was the widow of Daniel Parke Custis at the time they married.

Martha's father was Colonel John Dandridge and her mother was Frances Jones Dandridge. She was born on June 21, 1731 in New Kent County, Virginia. She died at the age of 70 on May 22, 1802 in Mount Vernon, VA., where she was buried.

Children
There were no children but they did have two step-children.

Father
Augustine Washington, born in 1694, Westmoreland, Virginia. He was married twice. His first wife was Jane Butler and his second wife was Mary Ball. Augustine died on April 12, 1742 in King George County. Augustine was the father of ten children -- four by his first wife and six by his second wife. George Washington was his fifth child and the first-born of Mary Ball Washington.

Mother
Georges mother was Mary [Ball] Washington. She was born in Lancaster County, Virginia in 1708. She married Augustine on March 6, 1730.

Political Background

Term Of Office
April 30, 1789 through March 3, 1797 -- He served 2 terms for a total of 7 years and 308 days.

President
George Washington

Vice President
John Adams

State Represented
Virginia

Secretary of State
Thomas Jefferson
Edmund Randolph
Timothy Pickering

Secretary of the Treasury
Alexander Hamilton
Oliver Wolcott, Jr.

Secretary of War
Henry Knox
James McHenry

Attorney General
Edmund Randolph
Charles Lee

Congress
1,2,3,4

Chief Justice Appointments
John Jay, N.Y., September 26, 1789
John Rutledge, S.C., July 1, 1795
Oliver Ellsworth, Connecticut, March 4, 1796

Important Political Events:
The first election was held in 1789 but it was quite different from elections held today. There were no political organizations or even political parties in existence.

George Washington received one vote from each of the sixty-nine electors.

There were only ten states but the votes were unanimous for Washington for President.

One fascinating argument exists about the "first president." There is a group of people that strongly believe that a man named John Hanson was actually the first president. There is even some strong evidence to support their theory.   The reason some believe that Hanson was the first president is because of the way our government evolved between the years 1774 and 1789.   The English colonial system established thirteen colonies along the Atlantic Coast of North America. The Continental Congress was created to represent these colonies as it became clear we were on the path for liberty.

The Continental Congress presented a Declaration of Rights to the King, which was rejected. Later, fighting broke out in Lexington and Concord and the Continental Congress reconvened with the problem of War.

The congress next issued a Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 and a new nation was born. This made it necessary for a governing agency since the Continental Congress was for a formal group. Therefore, a set of written rules were established called the "Articles of Confederation."   Article IX of this Confederation stated that the congress shall have the authority to appoint one of their members to preside over the land. The man designated was John Hanson. During his year of office, Hanson performed many acts of a President such as: he Created the Post Office, Consular service, national bank, census, established a U.S. Mint, established the Great Seal of the United States and declared the first official holiday -- Thanksgiving.

The debate over the first president will likely never be settled, but our history books still give credit to this position as President George Washington -- hero, patriot, and Master Mason.

The origin of the first American Flag is attributed to a tale that General George Washington, along with two other Continental Congress members, approached the Ross Philadelphia home in June of 1776.

They asked Betsy Ross to make a flag for the new nation. Recently a controversy has occurred about this version.

Martha Dandridge Custis Washington

Martha Washington was born on a plantation near Williamsburg, Virginia on June 2, 1731 to John and Frances Dandridge. She was their first daughter. Her education was not significant but this was not unusual for a girl in the
18th century. She was well trained in domestic and social skills though and was distinguished in the art of running an organized and contented family household.

Martha was a relatively short girl (about five foot tall) but she was graceful well-mannered and had a quality about her. She married Daniel Park Custis when she was 18. The marriage was short lived as her husband died in 1757.

Martha married George Washington in 1759 and dedicated herself to her family (George and her children from Daniel Park Custis). She possessed a strong will and positive attitude throughout her life.

Martha exuded warm hospitality and consistently made their guests feel at home and comfortable. This quality made her a tremendous asset to Washington in his political career. However, in real life she preferred her privacy just as George did.

When Washington retired from politics, they moved back to Mount Vernon and spent their remaining years enjoying their privacy among friends and relatives. Unfortunately, after George died, Martha burned their letters that might have provided some more insight into their lives.

Martha died on May 22, 1802 of what is described as a severe fever. She is buried at Mount Vernon with her husband.

Masonic History

Picture of Most Worshipful George Washington laying the cornerstone at the U.S. Capitol Building in a Masonic Service in 1793.

George Washington is revered as few men are. Not only was he a great President and Man, but he was a Master Mason of special note. George was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason in Fredericksburg No. 4, Fredericksburg, Virginia on November 4, 1752. He was Passed on March 3, 1753 and Raised to the Sublime degree of Master Mason on August 4, 1753. He was a member for the rest of his life.

Washington was appointed Worshipful Master in the charter for Alexandria Lodge #39 on April 28, 1788. He was re-elected to this position on December 27, 1788 -- a year before becoming our first President. He serve his lodge most honorably until his death eleven years later.

George Washington laid the cornerstone of the United States Capitol at Washington, D.C. at the request of the Grand Lodge of Maryland. He was wearing the Masonic Apron presented him by General Lafayette. See the picture above of this ceremony.

The trowel he used in this historical event may be viewed by a visit to the House Of Temple in Washington, D.C.

George Washington was unamimously elected the Grand Master of Masons of the American Colonies in 1779. However, the war and conditions at that time prohibited him from serving at that time. But American Masons still
consider him the first and only Grand Master of American Freemasons.

Another interesting historical item is a lantern used in the Revolutionary war to indicate when Masonic Lodge was in session.

Masonic funeral ceremonies were conducted by Alexandria Lodge #22 for their Past Master. This ceremony took place at the vault at Mount Vernon on December 18, 1799.

It is sometimes difficult to see just how large a role Masonry played in the formation of our nation. But George Washington -- the Mason -- believed strongly that the morals exemplified by the Brotherhood was a value needed
for a strong country.

More details about Brother Washington can be found in the book, "George Washington, Master Mason" by Allen C. Roberts.

George Washington took the oath of office, becoming the first President of the United States, on Thursday, April 30, 1789. The ceremony took place on the balcony of the Senate Chamber at Federal Hall, Wall and Nassaug Streets, New York City. The oath was administered by the Chancellor of New York State, Robert R. Livingston. The Bible on which Washington took his oath was borrowed from St John's Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons. His hand rested on Psalm 127:1 when he took the oath

Facts & Events

His Early Life
George was an elder son of Augustine Washington. His Mother was Augustines second wife -- Mary Ball Washington. His family were prosperous and young George was well educated in mathematics, surveying and the classics. Unfortunately, his father died in 1743 and George went to live with his half brother Lawrence at Mount Vernon.

George had dreamed of going to sea but was encouraged to become a surveyor. In 1748 he was appointed to survey Lord Fairfax's lands. He helped lay out Belhaven, Virginia -- which is now Alexandria.

His brother Lawrence died of tuberculosis in 1752 and George inherited Mount Vernon.

French and Indian War
Washington served during the French and Indian War period but was quite discouraged -- with good cause. In April 1754 he attempted to establish a post at what is now Pittsburgh. But he quickly learned that the French already had a post there. Washington established a fortification at Great Meadows called "Fort Necessity" to protect against the advancing French. The resulting skirmish caused Washington to pull his troops back into Fort Necessity but this too was futile. George was overcome and was forced to surrender.

The discrimination between British and colonial officers, his previous defeat and other reasons caused Washington to resign his commission, but he did not give up. The following year he volunteered for an expedition led by General Edward Braddock in a campaign against the French.

Washington earned considerable respect in this period and was promoted to colonel at the young age of 23. The young Washington was known for being brash, hardheaded and opinionated, but this period in his life helped him to mature and gain considerable admiration from all.

Washington The Planter
After the French and Indian War period, George returned to Mount Vernon and exerted his efforts to restoring his estate. During this period, he performed a lot of new construction and repairs as well as tended to his crops. But Washington was not fully content with the life of farming, and he soon turned to politics.

Politician
Washington entered politics and served in Virginia's House of Burgesses from 1759 through 1774. It was in 1759 that George married Martha Dandridge Custis.

Washington was a leader in Virginia's opposition to Great Britain's colonial policies. Many reasons caused him to become very active, including his indebtedness to London agents.

He was a delegate to the First and Second Continental Congress from 1774 to 1775 but was not an active participant. Then in June, 1977, he became the Congress's Commander-in-Chief of the Continental forces.

American Revolution
Washington commanded 14,000 undisciplined and poorly supplied troops. Washington occupied Dorchester Heights in March 1776 and forced the British to retreat. Later, he helped defend New York against Sir William Howe. It was during this time he erred and was forced to retreat at the Battle of Long Island.

In the year 1776, Washington was undoubtedly in despair. He had lost New York City to the British and his troops' morale was in serious decline. When Washington crossed the Delaware River on the Christmas night of 1776, he surprised the Hessian garrison. This caused a brief increase in troop morale, but it was short lived when he suffered further losses at Brandywine and Germantown.

Benedict Arnold and Horation Gates achieved the major successes in 1776 and the Congress wanted to replace Washington -- probably with Gates. But the support for Washington's overall achievements killed this action
and Washington remained in command.

Washington managed to hold his army together during an extremely tough period at Valley Forge. It was during this period that some significant assistance took place. Prussian Baron Von Steuben and French marquis de Lafayette trained Washington's troops and turned them into a magnificent fighting unit.

The war location shifted to the south in 1780. Generals Nathaniel Greene and Daniel Morgan commanded troops in Virginia and the Carolinas, but Washington was overall in charge. In 1781, Washington launched a joint campaign with de Rochambeau to defeat Charles Cornwallis at Yorktown.

Once again, Washington returned to his beloved Mount Vernon. This time he avoided Virginia politics and went about restoring Mount Vernon which was to become a national institution.

Washington returned to politics in May of 1787 when he headed the Virginia delegation to the Constitutional Convention. He was elected presiding officer and later elected to President in 1789.

President George Washington
Washington assumed the office of Presidency on April 30, 1789 in New York City. During this time, he toured both the north (New England States) and the south in hopes of solidifying the nation. He encountered numerous problems between his Secretary of State (Thomas Jefferson) and Secretary of the Treasury (Alexander
Hamilton). Washington survived the attacks by Jefferson and was reelected to the Presidency in 1792. It was during this second term he encountered his most trying problem over American neutrality during the war between
England and France.

Trivia

The first President of the United States.

The first Master Mason to become President of the United States

Obtained the first quorum in the House of Representatives on April 6, 1789.

The first President to appear on a United States postage stamp. George's likeness appeared on the ten-cent black stamp which was authorized on March 3, 1847 and effective on July 1, 1847. However, this stamp was declared invalid as of July 1, 1851.

Invoked first tariff act placing duties on imports.

Nicknamed the "Father of His Country" although Washington himself had no children.

During the Civil War, Washington's home (Mount Vernon) was treated as neutral territory by arrangement between both sides.

First federal navigation act.

Created the Department of War on Aug. 7, 1789.

Created the Treasury Department on Sept. 2, 1789.

Created the Attorney General on Sept. 24, 1789.

The first ten amendments to the Constitution were enacted by Congress on Sept. 25, 1789.

The twelfth state ratified the Constitution on Nov. 21, 1789.

Rhode Island adopted the Constitution on May 29, 1790. This was the last of the original thirteen colonies to sign.

The first copyright law was signed on May 29, 1790.

Vermont ratified the Constitution on Jan. 10, 1790.

On Feb. 18, 1791, Vermont was admitted as the 14th state.

The District of Columbia was established on Mar. 3, 1791.

The first ten amendments to the Constitution was ratified on Dec. 15, 1791.

Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson announced the adoption of the first ten amendments.

The U.S. Mint was established on Apr. 2, 1792.

President Washington vetoed the apportionment bill on Apr. 5, 1792.

On Oct. 13, 1792 a significant historical event took place -- the laying of the White House cornerstone.

On Sept. 18, 1793 an even more significant event took place (at least as far as Masons are concerned) -- the laying of the cornerstone of the Capitol was laid. See the House of Temple for more information about the Masonic significance.

On Feb. 7, 1795 the Eleventh Amendment to the Constitution was ratified.

Tennessee was admitted as the 16th state on June 1, 1796.

On Sept. 17, 1797, President Washington issued his Farewell Address.

Owned a jackass named "Royal Gift."

Once returned a missing dog to the Commander-in-Chief of the British Army (Sir William Howe). This event occurred during the Valley Forge winter of 1777. Washington was discussing the severity of their situation when a dog appeared out of the night.      It turned out to be a lost and hungry dog seeking shelter.    Ironically, the dog belonged to Sir William Howe. Washington understood how a man felt about his dog and being the sportsman he was, gave immediate orders to have the animal fed, groomed, and returned (under a flag of truce) to the owner.
Howe was suitably impressed with this gesture and sent back a warm note of thanks.

Washington was the first President to refuse renomination for a third term in office.

He was one of the only two presidents to sign the Constitution -- the other was President Madison.

When Washington died, Napoleon Bonaparte ordered ten days of mourning throughout France.

He was awarded the Badge of Military Merit. Today, this is known as the "Purple Heart" which bears his likeness.

He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor on May 25, 1776 while he was a soldier.

The first lady of the land (Martha Washington) was known as Lady Washington.

The seat of the government when Washington was first inaugurated was at New York City, however, this was later moved to Philadelphia, PA.

Washington was the only President who did not live in Washington, D.C.

An attempt to kidnap Washington took place on June 28, 1776 -- just prior to Washington's inauguration. The plot involved the Tory Governor of New York City (David Matthews) and several others including one of Washington's bodyguards, Thomas Hickey.

Washington disapproved of swearing and even issued a General Order on August 3, 1776 against it.

Washington had to borrow money to attend his own inauguration. It was true that he was wealthy, however, he was land poor.

George Washington took the oath of office, becoming the first President of the United States, on Thursday, April 30, 1789.   The ceremony took place on the balcony of the Senate Chamber at Federal Hall, Wall and Nassau Streets, New York City.     The oath was administered by the Chancellor of New York State, Robert R. Livingston. The Bible on which Washington took his oath was borrowed from St John's Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons. His hand rested on Psalm 127:1 when he took the oath.

Washington purchased two lots of land in what was then called the "Federal city" on October 3, 1798. This is now Washington, D.C.

George Washington owned and operated a ferry from 1769 to 1790. This ferry crossed the Potomac landing as what is now Marshall Hall, Md.

George Washington bequeathed five swords, one each to his five nephews. He required that none of these weapons should be unsheathed for the purpose of shedding blood. There was some exceptions for this -- they could be used for self-defense, defense of the country.

Washington's was one of our (early) richest presidents with an estate valued at more than a half million dollars. This is quite a sum at that time.

The first town named for George Washington was Forks of Tar River, N.C.      The name was changed to Washington in 1775.

Washington appointed the first presidential commission. The purpose of this commission was to deal with the rebellious elements in Washington and Allegheny counties.