History

George Washington photo

Early Life


Patriot Leader

"Revolutionary" Intelligence

George Washington

Early Life

People in the intelligence world have called me "the First DCI" (Director of Central Intelligence). I was born in Virginia on February 22, 1732. I had little formal schooling, but I had a desire to learn so I studied numerous subjects. It was hard, but I knew I had to do it.

Patriot Leader

My first job was as a surveyor in Culpeper County, Virginia. As an officer in the British Army during the French and Indian War, I began my espionage career as a military spy for the British. I had firsthand experience with what happens when intelligence fails. In 1755, at age 21, I was almost killed in the massacre of General Braddock's troops.

Later, while serving in the House of Burgesses in Virginia, I realized that our country needed its independence. So I sided with the Patriots that were beginning to organize. My experience as an officer during the French and Indian War came in handy when I was selected in June 1775 as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. I knew our army was going to need more than a leader, it was going to need good military intelligence in order to defeat the British Army, which was larger and better equipped than our own.

Index
History Introduction Page
Famous People
Historical Book List
CIA Exhibit Center
CIA Kids Page

[History Page] | [Famous People] | [Historical Book List] | [CIA Exhibit Center] | [CIA Kids Home Page]