Washington Irving was born at the end of the american revolution. Named after our first president Washintong Irving made many contributions to American literature. While growing up in a large, rich New York family, Irving came to know American society.
 

          Besides learning to enjoy literature, art, theater and opera, he loved to explore the countryside. He studied law while traveling through Europe although he never attended college he did well in life.
 

         As Irving grew older he spent much of his time traveling and writing and did not seem to have a steady job. of the few jobs he had, Irving was a member of the staff of the United States legation in Madrid from 1826 until 1829. Time passed and Irving was elect U.S. minister to Madrid until 1846. After this he moved back to New York to a country home where he lived until his death.