George Washington (1732-1799)

Biographical Sketch

George Washington (February 22, 1732 - December 14, 1799) led America's Continental Army to victory over Britain in the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), and in 1789 was elected the first President of the United States of America. He served two four-year terms from 1789 to 1797. Washington received his surveyor's license from William & Mary in 1749. Washington served as the first American Chancellor of William & Mary from 1788 to 1799.

George Washington on the College of William & Mary

In a letter dated January 7, 1773, George Washington writes to Rev. Jonathan Boucher (tutor to John Parke Custis, Washington's step-son) regarding Washington's suggestions as to whether Custis should attend William & Mary. The original letter is available in the Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library. The following is a partial transcription of that letter:

"...I cannot think William & Mary College a desirable place to send Jack Custis to -- the in-attention of the Masters, added to the number of Hollidays is the subject of general complaint... These considerations, added to a desire of withdrawing the mind of my ward as much as possible from the objects which seem at present to have engrossed too much of his attention...I have, I think, determined to send him to the Philadelphia College, which from the best information I have been able to get...stands equally fair with any other, and being nearer is more agreeable to his mother..."

Material in the Special Collections Research Center

• Search George Washington in the SCRC database.