Everyone must know the story of George Washington cutting down the cherry tree, right? Well, what you didn't know is that the story known and taught to school children for generations is actually a myth! Apparently a man named Mason Weems invented it shortly after Washington died; ironically, the story was intended to show how honest Washington was. Link to Source of that Info.
George Washington was the very first president of the United States, a Virginia planter, and commander of the continental army. He was born in 1732. His father was another Virginia planter named Augustine Washington. George lived with Augustine until the age of eleven when Augustine passed away, and then went to live with his brother on Mount Vernon.
Washington's first military experience came in 1754 when he was sent with a military expedition to defend Virginia's piece of the Ohio lands from the French. Washington and his Virginian army were quickly forced to surrender during their battle in the wilderness, but after their release, Washington was made commander of the Virginia militia, and served their until 1758.
During Washington's presidency he achieved many great things, such as "Jay's Treaty," and, "Pinckney's treaty," both in 1795. During his second term in office, the outlines of the first party system were drawn, but Washington never understood the need for political parties, and somewhat distraught and in bad health, denied a third term for presidency, and once again retired to Mount Vernon.
