George Washington – The Founding Father

This essay is about George Washington as one of the best presidents of the United States. 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 the 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 paper 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.

George Washington was a very good military leader. Not simply because the war was successful. His greatest strength was being open to others ideas. He also was a very good judge of people. He ignored the military tenants of the day and ignored social rank and influence in choosing his subordinates.

Henry Steele Commager once observed Washington’s sacrifice for America was supported by the facts that he served as commander of the Continental Army without pay and was nearly bankrupt by the time he returned home to Mount Vernon after serving as the country’s first president. 

That perseverance and vision for a nation that was created to establish the structure, boundaries, and safeguards to enable the pursuit of life, liberty, and justice. George Washington shared that vision, he fought for that vision, and he carried out that vision throughout his Presidency.