George Washington (1732-1799) was the first President of the United States of America. He served as President from April 30, 1789, until March 4, 1797 (two terms). His Vice-President was John Adams (1735-1826), who was later voted the second President of the USA.

Early Life:

George Washington was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia. Washington's father died when George was 11 years old. He had very little formal schooling, but taught himself to be an expert woodsman, surveyor (a person who determines the boundaries and area of tracts of land), and mapmaker. Washington grew to be over 6 feet tall -- this was very rare in Colonial times.

French and Indian War:

As a young man, Washington joined the Virginia militia. He and six men traveled 500 miles north to the shores of Lake Erie to deliver a message to the French -- the French were ordered to stop settling land that was claimed by the British. This land dispute led to a battle in which Washington and 160 men lost to the French; this was the beginning of the French and Indian War (the British and the Colonists fought the French and some Indian tribes). After many heroic battles, Washington became a colonel and the leader of Virginia's militia. The British eventually won the French and Indian War.

Marriage:

Washington married Martha Custis in 1759; she was a rich widow who had two children, Martha "Patsy" and John "Jacky." Their home in Virginia was called Mt. Vernon. George and Martha did not have children together.

Students will be able to:

1. Interpret primary source documents in historical context.
2. Explain the characteristics of good leadership.
3. Evaluate Washington's military leadership and his rise to a position of prominence in British America.
4. Explain the factors that led to the calling of the Federal Convention and evaluate Washington's role at the Convention.
5. Analyze how Washington as chief executive responded to issues confronting the United States.

George Washington is known as the Father of our Country. He was a Strong Leader. What are some Characteristics of a Strong Leader?

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/ndlpedu/lessons/gw/leader.html

George Washington : Kids Slide Show

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Timeline of George Washingtons Life 

Where did George Washington Live ?

Quick Facts

Research

Go to the following websites to answer the questions below:

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/history/us/pres/washington/face.shtml

Questions:

1. During what years was Washington President of the US? _________________________________

2. In which state was Washington born? _________________________________

3. Washington fought the British for independence during which war? _________________________________

4. What is Washington's home called? _________________________________

5. How old was Washington when he died? __________________________  

Activities

Follow the clues and help solve a make-believe mystery! Using your noggin and a special spyglass tool, you’ll uncover hidden layers of the painting and learn fascinating facts about the portrait along the way. Let the sleuthing begin! On your mark...set...Start the Portrait for Kids!   To have the most fun with this activity, you’ll need the Macromedia Flash Player installed on your computer, but a slightly less snappy version is also available.   Please click the link to get the Flash Player from Macromedia: Download Flash Player 5

Coloring Page http://www.apples4theteacher.com/coloring-pages/presidents-day/washington-george/washington-george-martha-nelly-george.html

George Washington Word Search Can you find all these words associated with George Washington? Vocabulary words used in the puzzle: America, cherry, colonies, commander, country, dollar, father, first, Forge, General, George, hatchet, honest, leader, Martha, planter, President, quarter, Revolution, soldier, surveyor, thirteen, troops, Vernon, Virginia, Washington