George and Martha Washington

George and Martha Washington. . , George Washington | 1732-1799 , Known as the "Father of His Country," George Washington was the first president of the United States and the commander of the Continental Army who led the Patriots to victory during the american Revolutionary War. Born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, Washington grew up in a large family. He did not receive a formal education; instead, he trained to be a surveyor. As a young man, he served as a colonel and commander of the Virginia Regiment during the French and Indian War (1754-1763). After the war, he returned to Virginia and became a landowner and representative of Frederick County in the Virginia colonial legislative body, the House of Burgesses., Leading up to the Revolutionary War, Washignton's vocal opposition to the Stamp Act and Twonshend Duties spurred his election to represent Virginia in the Continental Congress. After the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Washington was unanimously chosen by the Continental congress to be the commander of the newly established Continental Army due to his past military experience. He left for Boston in June 1775 and spent the next eight years in command. His leadership and strategy helped the Continental Army survive, outwit, and eventually defeat the British, the greatest military power in the world at the time. , ,br> Washington spent his last years at his home, Mount Vernon, and died in 1799. He was honored in a eulogy by his friend and fellow officer, Major General Henry Lee, as "First in war, First in peace, and First in the hearts of his countrymen." His role in securing independence and establishing the nation cemented Washignton's legacy as a beloved Founding Father and president of the United States., Martha Washington | 1731-1802 , Martha Washington, the wife of George Washington and the inaugural first lady of the United States, was born on a plantation in Chestnut Grove, Virginia. Born Martha Dandridge, the oldest of eight children, she married Daniel Parke Custis, one of the wealthiest men in the colony of Virginia, at the age of 18. Custis was twenty years older than Martha, and the couple had four children, only one of whom reached adulthood. When Custis died in 1757, Martha became one of the wealthiest widows in the Thirteen Colonies., Soon after the death of Custis, Martha met and married George Washington, and she and her two surviving children moved to live at Washington's estate, Mount Vernon. Even though the Washingtons did not have children of their own, their marriage, which lasted over forty years, was a happy one. When war broke out between the colonies and Great Britain, Martha shared her husband's political beliefs and supported him in his commission as the commander of the Continental Army. She often traveled with Washington and his troops and even joined them during the harsh winter at Valley Forge. While at camp, Martha cared for the soldiers and mended clothes and uniforms., After the war ended, the Washingtons moved back to Mount Vernon until George was elected president. Here at the President's House, the first lady hosted many social events open to the citizens of Philadelphia in addition to the elaborate state dinners for ministers, dignitariess, and other government officials. By doing so, she established ceremonial traditions that would be followed by furture first ladies. Despite being one of the most public figures in the early American Republic, Martha was known for her humility and informality with guests, even opting to wear homespun clothing. In 1796, she retired to Mount Vernon with George and passed away in 1802 at the age of 70.