George Washington's experiences in his youth helped shape the man who would lead a revolution and become the first president of the United States.
Education
The unexpected death of George Washington's father prevented him from receiving a Latin-based education in England. Instead, private tutors and possibly a local school provided him with the only formal instruction he would receive.
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Surveying
George Washington's first career was as a surveyor. While surveying he gained an intimate knowledge of Indian country and a small fortune in land.
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After the death of his father, when George Washington was only 11 years old, he inherited enslaved people.
Social Education
Social education in colonial America went beyond academic learning. For George Washington, this form of education became key in his personal and professional advancement.
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The Rules of Civility
Regarded as a formative influence in the development of his character, the Rules of Civility included guidelines for behavior in pleasant company, appropriate actions in formal situations, and general courtesies.
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Popes Creek
In 1732, George Washington was born at Popes Creek Plantation in Virginia. He would only live at this plantation until he was about three years old.
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Limited information about George Washington's mother has survived, although the historical record shows that she shared a complex and oftentimes strained relationship with her son.
Childhood Home
George Washington's parents, Augustine and Mary Ball, moved their family to Ferry Farm when he was about six years old.
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Teenage Love Poems
There are two surviving love poems that seem to have been written by a teenaged George Washington.
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Timeline: Mount Vernon's Owners Over the Years
Explore the many owners of Mount Vernon, before and after the life of George Washington.
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Washington was part of a rather large family and had many siblings and half-siblings.
Journey to Barbados
George Washington traveled widely in what would become the United States, but he only left the North American mainland once.
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The Allegheny Expedition
21-year-old Major Washington set off on a two and a half month journey on rough trails into the Ohio country to warn the French against encroachment into British territory.
Learn moreFires at Washington’s Homes
Separate fact and fiction about the fires that affected Washington's childhood homes.
French and Indian War
In 1754, Washington led a surprise attack upon a small French force at Jumonville Glen. Then he surrendered Fort Necessity to the French.
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