George Washington was more than just the first president of the United States. Not only did he serve as a role model for countless soldiers during America's Revolutionary War, but he set the pace for Presidents of the future. He will always be remembered for his dedication and bravery. Although Washington had more total loses than he did vidtories, he continued to maintain his dignity and respect for his superiors.
George Washington was born on February 22, 1732 in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He was the oldest son of Augustine and Mary Ball Washington. The Washington were of wealthy English decent and made their home along the Potomac River. The estate was furnished with six rooms, two of them were on the upper level and four more were on the lower one. They owned six good pairs of sheets, ten secondary pairs, and seven pillow cases. Most of their utensils were whittled from wood. All of these things were considered "luxuries." Augustine also owned twenty slaves, seven able to work, eight of moderate value, and five not capable of work. . At a young age, George studied mathematics, the classics, and surveying, most of which were taught to him by his father and older brother Lawrence. George's father died in 1743 and left ten-year old George to go live with Lawrence, who was much like a second father to him. It is said that George was not very popular with girls because he was a bit awkward looking; he was over six feet tall with reddish hair and gray-blue eyes, his face was massive, and his shoulders narrow for his height although his hands and feet were huge. He often frightened young women. .
In 1748, George began his profession as a surveyor in Shenandoah Valley. He assisted in the laying out of the Virginia town of Belhaven in 1749 and was promoted as a surveyor for Culpeper County. George's brother Lawrence became infected with tuberculosis so the two traveled to Barbados to cure him of it.
