Family life
On January 6, 1759, Washington married the wealthy widow, Martha Dandrige Custis, who was 28 years old at the time. George and Martha made an exceedingly compatible couple with her accredited grace and intelligence. She also had extensive experience in managing a planter's estate. The newlywed couple moved to Mount Vernon, near Alexandria, where he took up the life of a planter and political figure.
Washington's marriage to Martha greatly increased his property holdings and social standing. This contributed to making him the wealthiest man in Virginia at one point. He acquired one-third of the 18,000-acre Custis Estate with his marriage, worth approximately $100,000. Washington managed the remainder on behalf of Martha's children, for whom he sincerely cared.
It took many years for George Washington to come to terms with his inability to have children. Many historians believe it was due to his exposure of small pox when he took the trip to the Barbados with his brother that made him infertile. However, together George and Martha raised her two children from her previous marriage, John Parke, (1754- 1781), and Martha Parke, (1756 - 1773). Washington cared a great deal about raising the kids and being the father he always wanted to be. He made sure they got the greatest quality of education offered and whatever else he saw suited for the children.
Washington also made sure his grandchildren got the best of everything as well as his step- children. Especially when he and Martha were faced with raising John Parke's four children, (George Washington Parke, Elizabeth Parke, Martha Parke, and Eleanor Parke), after he died from 'Camp Disease' he contracted during the Yorktown Campaign in 1781.
Washington's marriage to Martha greatly increased his property holdings and social standing. This contributed to making him the wealthiest man in Virginia at one point. He acquired one-third of the 18,000-acre Custis Estate with his marriage, worth approximately $100,000. Washington managed the remainder on behalf of Martha's children, for whom he sincerely cared.
It took many years for George Washington to come to terms with his inability to have children. Many historians believe it was due to his exposure of small pox when he took the trip to the Barbados with his brother that made him infertile. However, together George and Martha raised her two children from her previous marriage, John Parke, (1754- 1781), and Martha Parke, (1756 - 1773). Washington cared a great deal about raising the kids and being the father he always wanted to be. He made sure they got the greatest quality of education offered and whatever else he saw suited for the children.
Washington also made sure his grandchildren got the best of everything as well as his step- children. Especially when he and Martha were faced with raising John Parke's four children, (George Washington Parke, Elizabeth Parke, Martha Parke, and Eleanor Parke), after he died from 'Camp Disease' he contracted during the Yorktown Campaign in 1781.
Washington and the revolutionary war
April 19th, 1775- September 3rd, 1783
Despite having little experience in commanding large military forces, Washington’s strong leadership presence and courage held the American military together long enough to ensure a victory at Yorktown and independence for his nation.
Here are ten quick facts to better understand how vital of an asset George Washington was to the Revolutionary War-
Here are ten quick facts to better understand how vital of an asset George Washington was to the Revolutionary War-
- Washington was appointed Commander if the Continental Army on June 14th, 1775. He would not return home to Mount Vernon for another six years.
- Prior to his appointment as head of the Continental Army, Washington had never commanded a large army in the field.
- Washington and the Continental army narrowly escaped total destruction in the New York campaign of 1776.
- Washington’s smallpox inoculation program was one of his best decisions of the war because it saved so many of his soldiers throughout the battle.
- Washington crossed the Delaware River twice in December 1776 because of how bad the bloodshed was for their side. These actions both saved Washington's soldiers from a slaughter.
- Before their victory at Yorktown, the American Military teetered upon total collapse.
- Washington quietly stopped a military growing rebellion. This was due to lack of pay and food for the soldiers. However, George took them on a guilt trip with his convincing address given and put them all back in line so they could continue to advance.
- During the Battle of Princeton, many British soldiers believed they had finally killed George Washington by a bayoneting. They soon figured out they had the wrong man killed,
- United States Marines fought along side at many battles with Washington and his troops.
- Washington had many inside men with the British forces which resulted in more victories than originally estimated.
President WASHINGTOn
April 30, 1789 – March 4, 1797
George Washington more than deserved the title of President of the United States. He was a true patriot with a love for his country. He always had America's best intentions at heart. When the people wanted him to be the next King of their free world, he declined in the name of democracy, and instead assumed the new position of President. He started the four year term trend for all future presidents to follow, and always looked to the Constitution when deciphering a problem.
Here are another ten quick facts on George Washington's presidency-
Here are another ten quick facts on George Washington's presidency-
- George Washington is the only President to have been unanimously to be elected by the Electoral College.
- He was the only President to have have been inaugurated in two separate cities.
- Washington was strapped for cash throughout his presidency because he refused to be paid normal salary.
- George Washington established the tradition of a cabinet of advisers.
- He signed the first copy right law.
- George set precedents for future President's social life.
- Washington gave the first Thanksgiving Proclamation.
- He only vetoed two bills while in office during his entire time in office.
- Washington's second inaugural address he gave is the shortest ever on record.
- George Washington's farewell address is one of the most celebrated speeches in all of America's history.
Here is a link to a specially made cartoon with one of George Washington's famous quotes being used. It shows patriotism with the American flag in the back ground. He stated this quote during his time of presidency and it made the list of Washington's Most Memorable Quotes. Enjoy!
https://www.powtoon.com/online-presentation/bHQnaezJEZN/george-washington-quote/
https://www.powtoon.com/online-presentation/bHQnaezJEZN/george-washington-quote/
"Retirement"
1797- 1799
After retiring from presidency on March 4th, 1797, Washington returned to Mount Vernon with sense of relief. He devoted much time to his properties and other business interest; such as his distillery. His plantation operations were only minimally profitable. The lands out west yielded little income because they were under attack by Indians and the squatters who lived there and refused to pay rent. Historians estimate his estate was worth about $1 million in 1799 monetary value; equivalent to around $19.4 million in 2013 purchasing power.
By 1798 relations with France had deteriorated to the point that war loomed closely. On July 4th, 1798, President Adams offered Washington a commission as lieutenant general and Commander -In-Chief of the armies raised or to be risen for service in any future war. Washington accepted, and served as the Senior Officer of the United States Army. He assumed this position form July 13th, 1798, until his death seventeen months later. He participated in the makings for a Provisional Army to meet any emergency that might arise. George made sure to delegate most of the work to well trusted office officials, including leadership of the Army, to Hamilton. This was to ensure he would not have to leave his wife and any children in the house for long periods of time.
By 1798 relations with France had deteriorated to the point that war loomed closely. On July 4th, 1798, President Adams offered Washington a commission as lieutenant general and Commander -In-Chief of the armies raised or to be risen for service in any future war. Washington accepted, and served as the Senior Officer of the United States Army. He assumed this position form July 13th, 1798, until his death seventeen months later. He participated in the makings for a Provisional Army to meet any emergency that might arise. George made sure to delegate most of the work to well trusted office officials, including leadership of the Army, to Hamilton. This was to ensure he would not have to leave his wife and any children in the house for long periods of time.
George Washington's Final Days
On Thursday, December 12, 1799, George Washington was out on horseback supervising farming duties from morning until around three in the afternoon as usual. The weather was shifting that day from snow to hail to rain. Upon Washington's return, it was suggested that he would normally change out of his wet riding clothes before dinner out of respect. However, known for his punctuality, Washington chose to remain in his damp clothing.
The next morning brought sore throat. Despite feeling unwell, Washington went to the hanging wood area on the east side of his plantation to select trees for removal. Throughout the day, it was observed that Washington's voice became increasingly more hoarse than usual. Friday evening, as typical for most evenings, Washington read from the newspapers with his secretary Tobias Lear and his wife Martha. Due to the increased throat irritation, Washington asked Lear to read this time.
After going to bed, Washington woke up in terrible discomfort at around two a.m. Martha was concerned about his state and wanted to send for help. However, Washington would not allow his wife to leave their room due to her just getting over a cold.
When Caroline, one of the house slaves, came to light the fire at dawn, Martha sent for Washington's secretary, Tobias Lear, who rushed to their room. He found Washington in bed having a difficult time breathing. Lear sent for George Rawlins, an overseer at their home of Mount Vernon, who at the request of George Washington bled him. Lear also sent Alexandria to go find Dr. James Craik, the family doctor and one of Washington's trusted friends and physician for forty years.
While waiting for Dr. Craik's arrival, Rawlins extracted a half-pint of George's blood. Washington favored this treatment, despite Martha's worry,as he believed that it cured him of past ailments. Washington was also given a mixture of, what was believed to be; molasses, butter, and vinegar to sooth his throat. This mixture caused Washington to convulse and nearly suffocate.
As the morning progressed, Washington did not get any better. Dr. Craik arrived at around nine that morning, and examined Washington. He produced a blister on Washington's throat in an attempt to level out the fluids in his body. Craik bled Washington a second time soon after by his request.
Martha told Tobias to send for another doctor; Dr. Gustavus Brown of Port Tobacco. Brown was a physician that Craik felt had a wonderful reputation for diagnosing and moderate medicine practices. At eleven, Dr. Brown had not arrived yet and Craik sent for a third physician This was a sign that he felt the problem was serious.
At around noon, an enema was administered. Unfortunately there was no bettering of signs for Washington. George was bled for the fourth and final time soon after. It was later reported that a total of thirty-two ounces of blood was extracted during the last request for bleeding.
Craik administered an emetic to induce vomiting. This still did not produce any results. Despite the care of three physicians, his loving wife, friends, and servants, George Washington's condition just got worse throughout the day. At four-thirty that afternoon, George called Martha to bring him his two wills from his study. After review Washington discarded one, which Martha later burned.
At around five in the afternoon, Washington realized his fate. He called in all three doctors to thank them for their service. Craik refused to leave his friend and remained in the room. At eight that night more blisters were made in a last attempt to help his condition; this time to Washington's feet and legs. At ten that night George Washington spoke, requesting to be "decently buried" and to "not let my body be put into the Vault in less than three days after I am dead."
Between ten and eleven at night on December 14, 1799, George Washington passed away with his loved ones standing by his side.
The next morning brought sore throat. Despite feeling unwell, Washington went to the hanging wood area on the east side of his plantation to select trees for removal. Throughout the day, it was observed that Washington's voice became increasingly more hoarse than usual. Friday evening, as typical for most evenings, Washington read from the newspapers with his secretary Tobias Lear and his wife Martha. Due to the increased throat irritation, Washington asked Lear to read this time.
After going to bed, Washington woke up in terrible discomfort at around two a.m. Martha was concerned about his state and wanted to send for help. However, Washington would not allow his wife to leave their room due to her just getting over a cold.
When Caroline, one of the house slaves, came to light the fire at dawn, Martha sent for Washington's secretary, Tobias Lear, who rushed to their room. He found Washington in bed having a difficult time breathing. Lear sent for George Rawlins, an overseer at their home of Mount Vernon, who at the request of George Washington bled him. Lear also sent Alexandria to go find Dr. James Craik, the family doctor and one of Washington's trusted friends and physician for forty years.
While waiting for Dr. Craik's arrival, Rawlins extracted a half-pint of George's blood. Washington favored this treatment, despite Martha's worry,as he believed that it cured him of past ailments. Washington was also given a mixture of, what was believed to be; molasses, butter, and vinegar to sooth his throat. This mixture caused Washington to convulse and nearly suffocate.
As the morning progressed, Washington did not get any better. Dr. Craik arrived at around nine that morning, and examined Washington. He produced a blister on Washington's throat in an attempt to level out the fluids in his body. Craik bled Washington a second time soon after by his request.
Martha told Tobias to send for another doctor; Dr. Gustavus Brown of Port Tobacco. Brown was a physician that Craik felt had a wonderful reputation for diagnosing and moderate medicine practices. At eleven, Dr. Brown had not arrived yet and Craik sent for a third physician This was a sign that he felt the problem was serious.
At around noon, an enema was administered. Unfortunately there was no bettering of signs for Washington. George was bled for the fourth and final time soon after. It was later reported that a total of thirty-two ounces of blood was extracted during the last request for bleeding.
Craik administered an emetic to induce vomiting. This still did not produce any results. Despite the care of three physicians, his loving wife, friends, and servants, George Washington's condition just got worse throughout the day. At four-thirty that afternoon, George called Martha to bring him his two wills from his study. After review Washington discarded one, which Martha later burned.
At around five in the afternoon, Washington realized his fate. He called in all three doctors to thank them for their service. Craik refused to leave his friend and remained in the room. At eight that night more blisters were made in a last attempt to help his condition; this time to Washington's feet and legs. At ten that night George Washington spoke, requesting to be "decently buried" and to "not let my body be put into the Vault in less than three days after I am dead."
Between ten and eleven at night on December 14, 1799, George Washington passed away with his loved ones standing by his side.
George Washington's burial site below-