(from his Farewell Address)

Born February 22, 1732

wife: Martha Dandridge Custis

Vice President: John Adams

His father died in 1743. His family also included his half-brother Lawrence and his brother Jack.

He became the first president when he was inauguarated April 30, 1789 on the balcony of Federal Hall on Wall Street in New York.

He advised against partisan politics which were emerging while he was president.

He also advised neutrality in British-French conflicts. Washington signed Jay's Treaty which meant that by June 1, 1796 all British troops had to be withdrawn from the US. Nevertheless it did confer benefits to Great Britain. For this and other reasons France was angered by the treaty. Washington himself had mixed feelings about it.

Pinckney's Treaty with Spain was signed On October 27, 1795.

Only six-star General (ordered by Jimmy Carter, because he felt that Washington should be America's highest military officer).

1791: Bill of Rights took effect.

He was well qualified to be President, having had 15 years experience in the emerging government.

It was Washington who established the principle that the President could select his executive officers and remove them if necessary.

He balanced his Cabinet with liberals such as Thomas Jefferson and conservatives such as Alexander Hamilton.

The Judiciary Act of Sept. 24, 1789 established a federal court system with his help.

He died of a throat infection at Mount Vernon on December 14, 1799.