George Washington (February 22, 1732 – December 14, 1799) was an American political leader, military general, statesman, and founding father who served as the first president of the United States from 1789 to 1797. Southern opposition was intense, antagonized by an ever-growing rift between North and South; many were concerned that Washington's remains could end up on 'a shore foreign to his native soil' if the country became divided, and Washington's remains stayed in Mount Vernon. 27, 83; Slave Labor (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association Essay). 27, 83; Slave Labor (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association Essay).