George Washington was unanimously chosen in 1775 to command the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.
The Second Continental Congress appointed Washington commander-in-chief on June 15, 1775, one day after authorizing the Continental Army. Washington was a Virginia planter and veteran of the French and Indian War, and his military experience and reputation made him acceptable to delegates from different colonies.
He took command near Boston and remained the army’s senior commander throughout the Revolutionary War. His responsibilities included coordinating forces from the various colonies, managing relationships with Congress, and maintaining an army despite shortages of money, supplies, and trained soldiers.
Washington’s appointment is distinct from his later presidency. He served as commander-in-chief from 1775 to 1783, then became the first president of the United States in 1789. He accepted no salary for his military command, requesting reimbursement only for expenses.