On February 22, 1732, George Washington is born in Westmoreland County, Virginia. The son of Augustine and Mary Ball Washington, George grew up to a trained surveyor and later a military officer. His early military career as an officer during the French & Indian War provided him with a military background which he would put to great use during the American Revolution a few years later. Appointed as commander of the Continental Army, he would lead the rebelling American colonists against the forces of the British army. While always the most victorious of generals in history, Washington succeeded in winning many of the most important battles of his campaign. More importantly, his capabilities as a leader preserved the Continental Army during the darkest and most trying times of the war, a feat few people could have accomplished. It was this greatness as a leader that lead him to be elected unanimously to the office of President of the United States. Washington served two terms as the first President under the Constitution and refused to pursue a third term, setting a precedent which would be followed by all US president who followed until Franklin D. Roosevelt. The two-term limit would be made an official part of American law with the ratification of the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution.

George Washington retired to his estate at Mt. Vernon and focused upon his business interests, including his plantation and distillery. On December 12, 1799, he became ill following an inspection of his farms during winter weather. On December 14, the general and former president passed away. While his funeral was small affair attended by his friends and family, the entire nation mourned as word of great and beloved American leader's passing spread.