George Washington (1732-1799), First President of the USA

Sitter in 20 portraits
Born in Virginia, the first son of a planter, Washington had formal education lasting only a few years. Despite this, he managed to teach himself skills through reading books and watching others. He learned planting and land surveying and in 1759 married Martha Dandridge Custis, a widow with large land holdings and numerous slaves. While still young he devoted his time to being a soldier and politician. He was Commander-in-Chief of the American forces during the War of Independence and in 1789 became the first President of the United States.