Primary Source Documents · The Founders' Record

George Washington

1737–1793 · Virginia · First President

Soldier, commander, president — documented through his own letters, his general orders, and the records of the offices he held and surrendered.

John Hancock portrait

George Washington

1737–1793

Merchant · President of Congress · Nine-Term Governor of Massachusetts

After John Singleton Copley · c. 1770–1772 · Massachusetts Historical Society

Episodes

John Hancock — The Merchant and the Revolution

The Liberty seizure, the night at Lexington, the presidency of Congress, and the name that appeared alone on the first printed copies of the Declaration.

7 Primary Sources · 1737–1776 · MHS · LOC · National Archives

John Hancock — Governor and Final Years

Nine terms as Governor, the Newport campaign, Shays' Rebellion proclamation, the Massachusetts ratifying convention compromise, and death in office in 1793.

6 Primary Sources · 1777–1793 · Massachusetts Archives · Founders Online

Key DocumentsKey Documents in the Archive

Letter to John Augustine Washington on the Battle of the Monongahela · July 18, 1755

Founders Online · National Archives

The Farewell Address · 1796

National Archives

Letter to Robert Morris on Slavery · April 12, 1786

Founders Online · National Archives

Mount Vernon — Papers and Library

Mount Vernon · Fred W. Smith National Library

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The Full Archive →

52 episodes, 347 primary documents, 30 founders — browse by founder or topic.