George Washington

A delegate to the first Continental Congress from Virginia. Washington was nominated to be Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army by Adams, and subsequently led the Americans to victory over the British after the long, costly struggle of the American Revolutionary War. Elected the first President of the United States, Washington set the standard for America's Chief Executive and provided an all-important symbol of unity in a time of growing political divisiveness. During his presidency, Washington often consulted Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, but to his great frustration, usually ignored Adams. He left the Presidency after two terms to return to his home at Mount Vernon.