George Washington was an American Founding Father, military officer, and politician who served as the first president of the United States from 1789 to 1797. He was appointed by the Second Continental Congress as commander of the Continental Army in 1775 and led Patriot forces to victory in the American Revolutionary War. Washington also served as president of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, which drafted and ratified the Constitution of the United States, establishing the U.S. federal government. Known as the 'Father of his Country,' Washington's leadership was instrumental in the founding of the United States.
1972: Acclaim for Washington's Farewell Address in 1972
In 1972, Washington scholar James Flexner referred to George Washington's Farewell Address as receiving as much acclaim as Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence and Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. This highlights the enduring influence of Washington's political precepts.
January 19, 1976: Congressional joint resolution for Washington's rank
On January 19, 1976, Congress passed a joint resolution, Public Law 94-479, to posthumously appoint George Washington to the grade of General of the Armies of the United States. This law was part of the American Bicentennial celebrations.
July 4, 1976: Effective appointment as General of the Armies
On July 4, 1976, as part of the American Bicentennial celebrations, George Washington was officially appointed to the grade of General of the Armies of the United States. This appointment recognized his unrivaled contribution to the nation's founding.
1976: Washington posthumously promoted to General of the Armies
In 1976, George Washington was posthumously promoted to the rank of General of the Armies, the highest rank in the U.S. Army. This promotion further solidified his legacy as one of the greatest figures in American history.
March 13, 1978: Military promotion to General of the Armies
On March 13, 1978, George Washington was militarily promoted to the rank of General of the Armies, cementing his status as the highest-ranking officer in U.S. Army history.
2010: Influence of the Farewell Address in 2010
In 2010, historian Ron Chernow called George Washington's Farewell Address one of the most influential statements on republicanism. The address continues to be celebrated for its impact on American political thought.
2023: Washington's estate valuation in 2023
In 2023, George Washington's estate was valued at $14.29 million, reflecting the worth of his estate at the time of his death in 1799, which was estimated at $780,000. His peak net worth was $587 million, including 300 slaves and over 65,000 acres of land across 37 locations.
2023: Expense report settlement in 2023
In 2023, an account of $450,000 in expenses that George Washington had advanced to the army, equivalent to $9.53 million in 2023, was settled. This account included vague sums and expenses incurred by his wife through visits to his headquarters.
2023: Treaty of New York financial equivalence in 2023
In 2023, the annual salary of $1,200 granted to Creek Chief Alexander McGillivray in the Treaty of New York was equivalent to $29,573. This treaty, concluded on August 7, 1790, provided agricultural supplies to the tribes and recognized McGillivray's military rank.