George Washington

George Washington, first American president, commander of the Continental Army, president of the Constitutional Convention, and gentleman planter. These were the roles in which Washington exemplified character and leadership, earning the title of “Father of His Country” and a hallowed place in America’s national psyche.

When one of his officers suggested that George Washington become king, he firmly put a stop to any further ideas of that sort. Through it all, Washington advocated for civilian control of the military, and at the end of the conflict, he gave up power, by personally resigning his military commission before the Congress.

After his military career, Washington was chosen to lead the Constitutional Convention, which developed the guidelines for a new form of government -- a republic. Elected the country’s first president, Washington had to work out this new kind of job step by step, knowing that he was setting precedents for those who would follow him in office.

The Bill of Rights became law during his first term, guaranteeing American citizens protection from an over-reaching federal government. In his second term, Washington personally took to the field to put down the Whiskey Rebellion and show that the federal government had the right to make and collect taxes. He set the precedent of relinquishing office after two terms, underscoring the fact that the presidency was not a life-time appointment.

In private life, he led by example, striving to make Mount Vernon a model of new, science-based agriculture, in order to benefit other farmers. He experimented with crops and fertilizers and continually sought the best innovations. As a businessman, he took advantage of the opportunities provided by his environment, eventually running flourishing fisheries, a gristmill, and the largest distillery in the country.

Washington enjoyed less than three years of retirement at Mount Vernon, for he died of a throat infection December 14, 1799. For months the Nation mourned him.