The first president of the United States, George Washington was born on February 22, 1732. The year 2023 marks the 291st anniversary of his birth.

Washington married Martha Dandridge Custis, in 1759. Their home was in Mt. Vernon, Virginia, and he was the only president to never live in Washington D.C.

Washington had no children of his own, but gained two stepchildren when he married Martha. He died on December 14, 1799 of laryngitis and was the only president to die in the 1700's.

Public celebrations of George Washington's birthday in the U.S. predate his presidency; his birthday was widely recognized in honor of his service during the American Revolutionary War.

Washington's Birthday Celebration

The largest and lengthiest celebration of the first president is held in Laredo, Texas -- of all places -- where some 400,000 people participate in a month-long festival that includes parades, a carnival, an air show, fireworks, live concerts, a black-tie ball, and a jalapeño eating contest. The celebration is organized by the Washington's Birthday Celebration Association and the Society of Martha Washington.