(b. February 22, 1732; d. December 14, 1799) Revolutionary War general and statesman, first president of the United States (1789–1797).

"First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen" were the words spoken of George Washington when he died. Long before the American Revolution, George Washington was a military hero. Leading a small militia unit and American Indian allies, he ambushed a detachment of Frenchmen thus provoking the French and [American] Indian War. At the age of twenty-two, Washington became commander in chief of the Virginia militia. He served as a special adviser to General Edward Braddock in the ill-fated campaign that ended in disaster near the Monongahela River in 1755. Washington escaped unscathed from this battle and courageously led the badly defeated troops to safety. His experiences in the war were invaluable and his exploits became legendary.

After unsuccessfully applying for a commission in the British...