Washington's Legacy

As a boy, a great future president, Abraham Lincoln, looked up to the achievements of our first President, George Washington. One of Lincoln's favorite books was a biography of Washington. The book referred to the first President: "Washington is the mightiest name on earth...To add brightness to the sun or glory to the name of Washington is alike impossible. Let none attempt it. In solemn awe pronounce the name, and its naked deathless splendor, leave it shining on." (The American Presidents Web site: www.americanpresidents.org)

Washington's legacy includes the following:

	Successful leader of the fight for independence.
	First to sign the Constitution.
	First President of the United States.
	Only President to be elected unanimously by the Electoral College (he received 69 out of 69 votes).
	Washington appointed the First Cabinet, which had four members.
	Washington appointed the first 10 justices of the Supreme Court.

Learn more about our George Washington:

Life Before the Presidency
Commander-in-Chief
Presidential Accomplishments
Did You Know?
Life After the Presidency
Washington's Legacy