Washington
First president of the United States and namesake of many places.
Washington most commonly refers to George Washington (1732–1799), the first president of the United States. It also denotes the state of Washington in the Pacific Northwest, Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, and the Washington metropolitan area. The name serves as a metonym for the federal government of the United States.
- Born
- 1732
- Died
- 1799
- Field
- Politics, military
- Nationality
- American
- Known for
- First president of the United States
Lore & Background
George Washington (1732–1799) served as the first president of the United States. His ancestral home is Washington Old Hall in England. The name Washington is also applied to a state, the capital city, and numerous other places worldwide, including towns in England, Greenland, the Philippines, and across the United States.
Reader's Guide
The name Washington carries immense significance as it refers to the first U.S. president and serves as a metonym for the federal government. It is also the name of a state, the national capital, and countless cities, counties, and geographic features. The legacy of George Washington is reflected in the many institutions named after him, including universities, ships, and sports teams. The Washington family name is associated with American history, and the name appears in diverse contexts from education to sports, underscoring its enduring presence in American and global culture.
Did You Know?
- George Washington was the first president of the United States.
- Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States.
- Washington is a state in the Pacific Northwest of the United States.
- Washington Old Hall in England is the ancestral home of George Washington's family.
More in U.S. States And Territories 1-24
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