Frequently Asked Questions: George Washington

Who was George Washington? 

George Washington was the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and served as the first president of the United States from 1789 to 1797. 

When was George Washington born? 

Washington was born in Virgina in 1732. 

Did George Washington have a family? 

Washington married Martha Dandridge Custis in 1752. He did not have any biological children, but he was stepfather to Martha’s two children. 

Where did George Washington live? 

Washington owned an estate, Mount Vernon, in Virginia. During his presidency, he lived at the President’s House at 6th and Market Streets in Philadelphia. While on campaign during the Revolutionary War, he lived variously in his headquarters tent and in houses as the Continental Army traveled from place to place.   

Did George Washington live with his troops for the duration of the war? 

Yes. While on campaign during the Revolutionary War, Washington lived variously in his headquarters tent and in houses as the Continental Army traveled from place to place. His sleeping and office tent is on view at the Museum, and the Museum’s First Oval Office Project sets up a replica of the tent at historic sites so that the public can experience how it was used during the Revolutionary War. During the war, General Washington only returned to Mount Vernon for a brief visit in 1781. Apart from that visit, he remained with the Continental Army. 

How long did Washington serve as president? 

George Washington was inaugurated in 1789 and served for two terms, ending in 1797.