He was born in 1732 in Westmoreland County in Virginia. George Washington grew up as part of the upper class group of people that owned slaves. When he was just 22 years old, Washington became involved in the French and Indian War. He led troops to Ohio Country, but was eventually captured by the French. George Washington is well known for leading his army across the Delaware on Christmas Day in 1776 during the American Revolution. The attack caught the opposing forces by surprise and Washington was able to re-take parts of New Jersey. George Washington became the first president of the United States of America in 1789 and he served for eight years.