George Washington was born on February 22, 1732 as the first son of Augustine Washington and his second wife, Mary Bell Washington, on the family estate in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He grew up wanting to be a planter, but got involved in the armed forces of the United States. At 22, George Washington began to shoot fire during the French and Indian War. In 1775, Geroge Wshington entered the Revolutionary War as the American General fighting against the British. With his terrific war tactics and amazing mind, he was fit to be an army general. Many believed he would be a good leader for the new independent country as well. With this in the mind of the people, George Washington was elected as the country's first president in 1789. Washington was re-elected in 1792 and continued to be the country's leader until 1797. George Washington returned to his home in Mount Vernon, Virginia after his presidental occupation. He died on December 14, 1799. Modern doctors believe that Washington died from either epiglottitis or, since he was bled as part of the treatment, a combination of shock from the loss of five pints of blood, as well as asphyxia and dehydration. While the cause of his death is not certian, he managed to leave a legacy.