George Washington

Portrait of George Washington, by Gilbert Stuart

George Washington (February 22, 1732 – December 14, 1799) was an American political leader, military general, statesman, and Founding Father who also served as the first president of the United States from 1789 to 1797. He led Patriot forces to victory in the nation’s War of Independence, and he presided at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 which established the new federal government. He has been called the “Father of His Country” for his manifold leadership in the formative days of the new nation. Wikipedia

Learn more about George Washington through historical newspapers from our archives. Explore newspaper articles, headlines, images, and other primary sources below.

Articles and Clippings about George Washington

Copy of 1753 letter George Washington carried to French forces on behalf of Gov. Dinwiddie Tue, Mar 26, 1754 – Page 1 · The Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) · Newspapers.comWashington leads troops during Battle of Fort Necessity, which began the French & Indian War Fri, Jul 19, 1754 – Page 3 · The Virginia Gazette (Williamsburg, Virginia) · Newspapers.comGeorge Washington serves in the House of Burgesses in the Virginia General Assembly Thu, Nov 9, 1769 – Page 1 · Rind's Virginia Gazette (Williamsburg, Virginia) · Newspapers.comGeorge Washington is selected as one of the Virginia delegates to the First Continental Congress Thu, Aug 11, 1774 – Page 1 · The Virginia Gazette (Williamsburg, Virginia) · Newspapers.comCongratulations given to George Washington upon his appointment as leader of the Continental Army Wed, Jul 5, 1775 – Page 1 · The Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) · Newspapers.comWashington's opinion of the Continental Army after being appointed its commander-in-chief Sat, Aug 5, 1775 – Page 2 · The Virginia Gazette (Williamsburg, Virginia) · Newspapers.comRevolutionary War era song about George Washington Sat, Feb 24, 1776 – Page 3 · The Virginia Gazette (Williamsburg, Virginia) · Newspapers.comLetter from General Washington about the crossing of the Delaware River and Battle of Trenton Fri, Jan 10, 1777 – Page 3 · The Virginia Gazette (Williamsburg, Virginia) · Newspapers.comBritish newspaper publishes article titled "Character of General Washington" Fri, Sep 12, 1777 – 2 · The Derby Mercury (Derby, Derbyshire, England) · Newspapers.comGeorge Washington resigns as commander of Continental Army after end of Revolutionary War Wed, Dec 31, 1783 – Page 3 · The Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) · Newspapers.comWashington, president of the Constitutional Convention, presents the Constitution for ratification Wed, Sep 19, 1787 – Page 4 · The Pennsylvania Packet (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) · Newspapers.comNewspaper editorial showing the popularity of George Washington: "Can Europe boast of such a man?" Mon, Oct 15, 1787 – 2 · The Vermont Gazette (Bennington, Vermont) · Newspapers.comGeorge Washington is unanimously elected first president of the United States Sat, May 2, 1789 – Page 2 · Pittsburgh Weekly Gazette (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) · Newspapers.comNewspaper account of George Washington's inauguration for his first term as president Mon, May 4, 1789 – Page 3 · Hartford Courant (Hartford, Connecticut) · Newspapers.comGeorge Washington is unanimously re-elected to second term as president Fri, Mar 1, 1793 – 3 · The Vermont Gazette (Bennington, Vermont) · Newspapers.comBritish newspaper carries news of George Washington's resignation as president of the United States Thu, Nov 17, 1796 – 1 · The Derby Mercury (Derby, Derbyshire, England) · Newspapers.comAfter retirement, Washington accepts position as lieutenant general and commander-in-chief of army Tue, Jul 31, 1798 – 3 · Federal Galaxy (Brattleboro, Vermont) · Newspapers.comGeorge Washington dies at Mount Vernon after a "short illness" Tue, Dec 24, 1799 – Page 2 · The Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) · Newspapers.comMaryland legislature asks governor to designate a day of mourning after death of George Washington Thu, Dec 19, 1799 – Page 2 · The Maryland Gazette (Annapolis, Maryland) · Newspapers.com