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. by James Stephenson, after J.F. Renault line and
stipple engraving, circa 1860 Sulgrave Manor, Banbury,
Oxfordshire Washington Old Hall, Tyne & Wear Politics,
Government and Diplomacy