Profile of the Day: George Washington

Today we celebrate what would have been George Washington’s 292nd birthday!

Image: George Washington / National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution

Washington was born on February 22, 1732 on his family’s plantation in Westmoreland County in the British colony of Virginia. He was the first of six children born to Augustine Washington and his second wife, Mary Ball. As a teen, Washington began a career as a surveyor and completed many surveying expeditions throughout the Virginia wilderness.

During the American Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress appointed Washington as commander of the Continental Army. After successfully leading Patriot forces to victory, Washington was unanimously elected as the country’s first President. He served two terms before leaving office, establishing the tradition of the two-term office limit.

After leaving the presidency, Washington returned to his home in Mount Vernon. He died on December 14, 1799 at the age of 67.

Explore George Washington’s family tree on Geni and share your connection with the first President of the United States.

View George Washington’s Geni Profile