George Washington in Williamsburg

1. In Williamsburg, seat of Virginia's government, George Washington
-Secured his first military commission
-Learned the art and mystery of politics
-Became leader of a continental revolution

2. Political and social life
In 1759, 27-year-old George Washington took a seat in the House of Burgesses in the Capitol and helped shape the idea of self-government for the next 16 years. He dined with such locals as George Wythe and Peyton Randolph. He worshipped at Bruton Parish Church. He enjoyed congenial evenings at the Raleigh, King's Arms, and Christiana Campbell's taverns. He attended the theater and once viewed four performances in a row, to see a particular red-haired actress deliver her lines. He supped with the governor and attended balls at the Palace and the Capitol. He patronized Williamsburg's tradesmen.

3. Early military life
For Washington the military officer, Williamsburg was headquarters. In January 1754, he made his way back to the capital from a hazardous trip deep into the Ohio country, where in vain he had warned French troops and trappers off British soil. Later, he returned as a survivor of the carnage at Braddock's defeat.

4. Gaining political influence
For Washington the legislator, Williamsburg was a proving ground. He was an intimate of every political leader of the colony during his years as a Virginia legislator. He introduced the Nonimportation Agreement in 1769 and in 1774 was sent by his fellow lawmakers as one of Virginia's seven delegates to the first Continental Congress.

5. General Washington
For Washington the general, Williamsburg was a staging point before victory at Yorktown. From his headquarters at the George Wythe House, he dispatched pleas for reinforcements, blankets, bread, clothing, ammunition, horses, and rum. September 27, 1781, Washington issued the general orders for the advance on British General Cornwallis at Yorktown. Within three weeks, the British surrendered their positions and their arms to American and French forces