George Washington was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, on February 22, 1732. His early education included the study of such subjects as mathematics, surveying, the classics, and rules of civility. Washington's father died in 1743 and he went to live with his half brother Lawrence at Mount Vernon, Lawrence's plantation on the Potomac. Lawrence served as a father to him and his brother. Lawrence later died in 1752 and George ultimately inherited the Mount Vernon estate. George later on …showed first 75 words of 507 total…

…showed last 75 words of 507 total…Washington returned to Mount Vernon, which had declined in his absence. In May 1787, Washington headed the Virginia delegation to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia and was unanimously elected presiding officer. His presence lent prestige to the proceedings, and although he made few direct contributions, he generally supported the advocates of a strong central government. After the new Constitution was submitted to the states for ratification and became legally operative, he was unanimously elected president in 1789.