What was the professional career that George Washington held at the age of 17?

At the age of 17 George Washington would receive his land surveyor's license in Virginia. Prior to becoming a surveyor, he wanted to join the Navy, but his mother refused to let him. So, he accompanied George William Fairfax as a surveyor to the unexplored wilderness of the Virginia frontier. George read mathematical texts to learn the geometric principles necessary for surveying.

He would then secure an appointment as county surveyor for the newly created frontier county of Culpeper. He was well on his way to a profitable career.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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21 Comments

Fred Zeb Fudpucker

Wasn't he a lumberjack? I heard he cut down cherry trees. [ 8-)

cinraymastriani

😂Howard Groopman,

dmarkc

tbear, I cannot tell a lie. He once stood on a hill.

dmarkc

Fred Zeb Fudpucker, he admitted so.

Wyla Reedy

I learned how to use a transit in Boy Scouts. Got my Merit Badge too!

earlepg

I wonder if he would have been successful in his navy career. Would we have ended up winning the Revolutionary War?

Howard Groopman

Fred Zeb Fudpucker, He's not a lumberjack, and that's OK.

jack patti go

tbear, I remember that same painting!

tbear

Somewhere in the way back of my mind, I remember either reading that or there was a painting of Washington surveying, I believe standing on a hillside! Help me out, someone, please! Don't say I was dreaming! 😊 Anyone??