George Washington was the first son of Augustine Washington and his second wife, Mary Ball Washington. He was born on the family’s Pope’s Creek Estate near present-day Colonial Beach in Westmoreland County, Virginia.
When Washington took the oath of office on April 30, 1789 only 11 of the original colonies had ratified the Constitution. While he served as President 5 more states joined the union. North Carolina – November 21, 1789, Rhode Island – May 29, 1790, Vermont – May 4, 1791, Kentucky – June 1, 1792 and Tennessee – June 1, 1796.
Understandingly George Washington appointed more Justices to the Supreme Court than any President. 13 men, 2 did decline, were appointed by Washington.
Washington College, a small Liberal Arts college located in Chestertown Maryland, is the only college that George Washington agreed to allow use of his name. He gave 50 Guineas upon its founding in 1782 and was a member of the Board of Visitors and Governors, the only college board on which he sat.
The Washington Monument in Washington County, Maryland, 4 miles from the town of Boonsboro was first monument to George Washington to be completed. It was completed in 1827 and was formally dedicated on July 4th of that year. The Appalachian Trail passes the base of the monument.
Congressman Henry Lee eulogized Washington with the words; “First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen, he was second to none in humble and enduring scenes of private life.”