History of George Washington

            
             George Washington played a vital role in the development of the United States of America. He was one of the founding fathers of this great country. He served as commander-in-chief of the Continental army during the Revolutionary War, and later served as the first president of the United States. His thoughts and ideas helped build the United States into the country that it is today.
             George Washington was born on February 22, 1732 in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He was the oldest son of Mary Ball Washington and Augustine Washington. His early education included the study of such subjects as mathematics, surveying, the classics, and "rules of civility." Washington then developed a powerful and convincing style of speech and writing. He enjoyed social occasions and playing sports.
             His father died in 1743, and soon after that George went to live with his half brother, Lawrence, at his plantation on the Potomac at Mount Vernon. Lawrence became something of a father figure for his brother. His brother had married into the Fairfax family, a prominent and influential Virginian family who helped launch George's career. In 1748, George began to survey lands in the Shenandoah Valley and was later appointed.
             surveyor for Culpeper Country. When Lawrence died in 1752, George inherited the Mount Vernon estate.
             In 1753, the growing rivalry between the French and British over control of the Ohio Valley erupted into the French and Indian War. This war created new opportunities for the young Washington. He first gained public notice when Gov. Robert Dinwiddie dispatched him on a fruitless mission to warn the French commander at Fort Le Boeuf against further encroachment on territory claimed by Britain. Washington's diary account of the dangers and difficulties of his journey, published at Williamsburg on his return, may have helped him win his ensuing promotion to lieutenant colonel at only 22 years of age.