Meet George Washington Author:Joan Heilbroner, Stephen Marchesi (Illustrator) George Washington grew up in the English colony of Virginia. He was tall and strong, fair in judgment, and respected by his friends as a good leader. As he grew older, George saw how England took advantage of the American colonies -- and he didn't like it. When the colonies declared their independence, George was chosen to lead their ar... more »my as its general. And when the colonies won their freedom, George was elected to lead the new nation as its first President.« less