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George Washington

Early Career

What was Washington’s first career?

Washington first earned a living as a surveyor, obtaining a job through his brother Lawrence’s connections. Lawrence had married Ann Fairfax of the wealthy Fairfax family. The head of the Fairfax family, William Fairfax, took a liking to young George and employed him as an assistant to his son George William Fairfax to help survey in the Shenandoah Valley.

Washington later worked as the surveyor for Culpepper County, Washington, and also worked on projects for Lord Fairfax.