George Washington
First
President,
1789–1797
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I walk on untrodden ground. There is scarcely any part of my conduct that may not hereafter be drawn into precedent.
Founding Father: "First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen." This famous tribute to George Washington came from Revolutionary War General "Light-Horse" Henry Lee. Washington's confident leadership—first as the untiring commander of colonial military forces, then as America's unanimously elected first president—helped to strengthen a potentially fragile new democratic nation.
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Portrait by
Rembrandt Peale
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circa 1795
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NPG.65.59
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Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery
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Fast Facts
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Party: |
Federalist
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Date of Birth: |
Friday, February 22, 1732
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Date of Death: |
Saturday, December 14, 1799
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Vice President: |
John Adams
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First Lady: |
Martha Dandridge Custis Washington
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