George Washington began life in a middle class planter's family and he ended his schooling when he was only 15. In the 1750s and early 1760s, the British and Americans were in a war against the French and the Indians. Only 23 years old, Washington ended up in command of his home state's militia. He later served as a lawmaker in Virginia and was appointed to the First and Second Continental Congresses.

War with England was near and Washington was chosen to lead the American army against the most powerful army in the world. After the American colonies won their independence and became the United States, Washington became known throughout the world. He then retired to his home called Mount Vernon, in Virginia.

However, his retirement did not last for long. He was chosen as head of the convention that created the U.S. Constitution and later was elected the first President of the United States. As President, he first lived in New York City. Philadelphia became the Capital City in 1790 and the President moved with his entire family to 190 High Street (called Market Street today), a home he called "the best single house in the city". The President sometimes lived with 30 other people at the mansion, as well as 14 horses.

On every Tuesday afternoon, the President would receive local and national leaders. He would greet them not with a handshake, but a bow; wearing a black velvet suit with a long silver sword. He conducted the nation's business and met with his advisors in the same building in which he and his family lived, just like the President does today.

What can you learn from official records?

Click here to learn more about George Washington's estate inventory of items purchased for the President's House in Philadelphia.

Image courtesy of Independence National Historical Park.

Back to the President's Household