The statue of George Washington stands in the Capitol Rotunda, in Washington D.C. On this day 287 years ago, America's first and most famous president was born.

The reason to study Washington the man is to admire the traits that made his service great: principle, conviction, compassion and dedication.

Over the centuries, President George Washington has been the subject of many stories, some fact, some fiction. Edward Lengel, author of Inventing George Washington, offers his insight.

3) George had to compete for Martha's hand in marriage. After Martha's first husband, Daniel Custis, died in July 1757, George had to compete for Martha's hand against a prosperous tobacco planter ...

While doing research for her first novel, "Dear George, Dear Mary," CBS2's Mary Calvi discovered a letter written by Washington that could be a big clue about his very first love.