Young Washington: How Wilderness and War Forged America's Founding Father

In 1753, George Washington delivered a message from the British lieutenant-governor of Virginia to the French commander at Fort Le Boeuf, near Lake Erie, to contest possession of the Ohio territory. The inexperienced 21-year-old was self-absorbed—consumed with advancing his career, designing his public image, and being accepted in aristocratic circles. Stark (Astoria) chronicles in detail Washington's experiences throughout the events of the following five years (including his part in an attack that probably instigated the French and Indian War), illustrating their decisive influence on Washington's developing character. Despite serious blunders and periods of ineffectual performance, Washington gradually learned from his and others' mistakes. Through ordeals in the wilderness, in battle, as a troop commander, and an obsession with protecting his reputation, he evolved from an ambitious, impulsive, hot-tempered, glory-hungry young man into an increasingly mature and just adult who eventually became a revered military and political leader.