Lawrence Washington died the next year and George inherited the family estate in Virginia, Mount Vernon .  George was appointed colonel in the Army of Virginia.  His job was called the adjutant and he held the rank of major.  By 1755, George Washington became the commander in chief of all the militia troops in Virginia.

George Washington married Martha Dandridge Custis in 1759.  She was a wealthy widow who had two children.  He resigned his commission in the army and became a Virginia planter.  He grew wheat and tobacco, established a mill, ironworks and fisheries.

Washington was interested in how England was treating the colonies, and served in the House of Burgesses, one of the two houses of the Virginia legislature, from 1758 until 1774, (continued.)