George Mathews inherited a farm and engaged in mercantile activities in Virginia before transitioning to public service. He held various civic roles, including vestryman, high sheriff, justice of the peace, and militia captain. Mathews participated in the American Revolutionary War, rising to the rank of colonel and earning recognition for his actions in key battles. He transitioned to politics, serving in the Georgia General Assembly and as governor of Georgia, though his tenure was marred by controversies. Mathews also played a role in the Patriot War of East Florida, working to incite rebellion and annex Spanish territories. His career reflects a blend of frontier experience, military service, and political leadership.

George Mathews combines a frontier-driven economic philosophy with a penchant for military action and territorial expansion. His legislative record reveals a calculated approach to regional interests, evident in his support for economic opportunities in the backcountry and his involvement in the Patriot War of East Florida. Mathews's willingness to challenge federal directives over local governance highlights a tension between regional autonomy and national unity. His controversial involvement in the Yazoo land fraud further complicates his political integrity, suggesting a complex interplay between personal gain and public service.