George Washington Timeline for Kids
George Washington led the American army in the war for independence. Then he became the first president of the United States. This timeline tells the story of his life.
Cut and Order Activity
Cut out the seven picture cards and glue them in order on the timeline.
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The timeline
1732Born in Virginia
George Washington is born on a farm in Virginia. He likes math and being outdoors. He learns to ride horses very well.
Why it matters: The skills he learned as a boy helped him all his life.
1749A Young Map Maker
At 17, Washington gets a job measuring land and making maps. He travels through forests and mountains.
Why it matters: He learned the land well and learned how to lead men in the wild.
1759Home at Mount Vernon
Washington marries Martha Custis. They live at Mount Vernon, a big farm beside a river in Virginia.
Why it matters: Mount Vernon was the home he loved most. You can still visit it today.
1775Leader of the Army
The colonies go to war with Great Britain. Their leaders pick Washington to lead the army.
Why it matters: He kept the army together for eight hard years.
1776Crossing the Delaware
On Christmas night, Washington and his soldiers cross the icy Delaware River in boats. The next morning they surprise the enemy and win a battle.
Why it matters: The win gave Americans hope when the war was going badly.
1787Writing the Constitution
After the war, leaders from the states meet in Philadelphia. They write the Constitution, the plan for the government. Washington is in charge of the meeting.
Why it matters: The Constitution is still the highest law of the United States.
1789The First President
Washington becomes the first president of the United States. He serves for eight years. Then he goes home to Mount Vernon.
Why it matters: He showed that a president should give up power when his time is done.
Words to know
- colony: a place ruled by a country far away
- army: a large group of soldiers
- Constitution: the plan for how the United States government works
- president: the leader of the United States
Quiz
- Where was George Washington born?
A. Virginia B. England C. New York - What was Washington's job at age 17?
A. Sailing ships B. Measuring land and making maps C. Teaching school - What was the name of Washington's home?
A. Plymouth B. Valley Forge C. Mount Vernon - What river did Washington cross on Christmas night?
A. The Delaware B. The Nile C. The Mississippi - What was Washington the first of?
A. The first king B. The first president C. The first astronaut
Show answers
1. A (Virginia) 2. B (Measuring land and making maps) 3. C (Mount Vernon) 4. A (The Delaware) 5. B (The first president)
The pictures are illustrations made for this timeline. They show what these people and places may have looked like.