George Washington was the first American president, born in 1732 in Virginia. He served as president from 1789 to 1797 and was known as a planter and soldier. During his presidency, the Bill of Rights was written. Abraham Lincoln was the 16th American president, born in 1809 near Hodgenville. He served as president from 1861 until his assassination in 1865 and was a lawyer by trade. During his presidency, the United States endured the Civil War.