From securing American independence to serving as first president, Washington played an indispensable role in the formation of the American democracy as we know it.
First Continental Congress
In 1774, Washington served as a Virginia delegate to the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Before leaving the city to return to Mount Vernon, Washington went shopping for muskets and military apparel.
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Commander of the Continental Army
Despite having little practical experience in managing large, conventional armies, Washington proved to be a capable and resilient leader of the American military forces during the Revolutionary War.
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Resignation of Military Commission
Following the American Revolution, Washington stunned the world by willingly surrendering power of the army back to the governmental body that first appointed him.
Learn more"The moderation and virtue of a single character has probably prevented this revolution from being closed as most others have been, by a subversion of that liberty it was intended to establish."
- Thomas Jefferson, April 1784
Mount Vernon Conference
A meeting at Mount Vernon in 1785 helped set a precedent for discussions amongst the states which would culminate in the 1787 Constitutional Convention.
Learn more2023 George Washington Symposium
Democracy from the Founding to the Future
In celebration of the George Washington Presidential Library’s 10th anniversary, Mount Vernon hosted its largest symposium, featuring an outstanding lineup of remarkable and thoughtful historians, authors, journalists, and leaders.
A More Perfect Union: George Washington and the Making of the Constitution
Learn about the many challenges facing the new nation and how our founding fathers, led by George Washington, created the United States Constitution.
"The moderation and virtue of a single character has probably prevented this revolution from being closed as most others have been, by a subversion of that liberty it was intended to establish."
- Thomas Jefferson, April 1784
Religious Freedom
Even before assuming the presidency, George Washington played a vital role as a champion of religious freedom in the new American democracy.
America's First President
As the first president of the United States, George Washington helped shape the office's future role and powers, as well as set both formal and informal precedents for future presidents.
Ten Facts About Washington’s Presidency
Learn moreWashington's Personal Copy of the Acts of Congress
An intriguing book in Mount Vernon's collection shows the intimate evidence of Washington actively learning the role of the presidency.
The Acts of Congress
Washington's copy of "Acts Passed at a Congress of the United States of America" contains key founding documents establishing the Union—and the president's personal annotations.
Building the Supreme Court
As the first president, and since there were no sitting justices at the beginning of his term, George Washington had the unique opportunity to fill the entire body of United States federal judges with his selections—including the Supreme Court.
First Cabinet
The existence of a presidential cabinet is not mandated by either the Constitution or established law. Washington set the precedents for how these roles would interact with the presidency, establishing the cabinet as the chief executive's private, trusted advisors.
The Farewell Address
Washington’s iconic Farewell Address, published at the end of his second term, stands today as a timeless warning about the forces that threaten American democracy.
Reflections on Washington's Farewell Address
In honor of the 225th anniversary of his famed Farewell Address, an all-star panel discusses George Washington’s warnings to and hopes for future generations of Americans. Featuring CNN’s John Avlon, author Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky, and historian Dr. Joseph Ellis.
George Washington
Victorious general of the American Revolution, the first President of the United States, successful planter and entrepreneur. Explore the life and legacies of George Washington.
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