George Washington

There have been many people in American history who have dedicated their lives to the people and progress of the nation, and perhaps none are more notable than our very own one dollar bill - George Washington, who not only conjures up images of freedom and democracy, but of also the birth of America; a founding-father who was the first to govern the people under their own flag.

George Washington was born in Westmoreland County, Va., in 1732, the eldest son of Augustine Washington, and his second wife, Mary Ball Washington (Encyclopedia, 42).

George never received more than a basic education, despite living a good life on a Virginia farm. Nevertheless, he displayed an ability and interest in mathematics, which led him to becoming a surveyor for Lord Fairfax at the tender age of sixteen.

George's father had died when he was eleven, and his half-brother Lawrence had...
[ View Full Essay]