George Washington is a figure shrouded in myth and legend, yet firmly rooted in the factual history of the United States. As the country’s first president and a leading Revolutionary War general, Washington’s life is a fascinating study of leadership, integrity, and the trials of founding a nation.
This section delves into intriguing facts about George Washington that offer a deeper insight into the man behind the monument, exploring aspects of his life from personal habits to historical milestones.
George Washington Facts
1. George Washington Did Not Have Wooden Teeth
Contrary to popular myth, George Washington did not have dentures made of wood. Throughout his life, he suffered from dental problems and did own several sets of dentures.
These were crafted from materials such as ivory, human teeth, and metal alloys. It is likely that the discoloration of his dentures may have led to the myth that they were wooden.
2. George Washington Was Not Born the First President of the United States
Washington was born on February 22, 1732, under the Julian calendar then in use in the British Colonies. This was later converted to February 11, 1731, according to the Gregorian calendar.
Washington officially changed his birth date to February 22, 1732, after the British Empire adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752.
3. George Washington Initiated the French and Indian War
At the young age of 22, George Washington played a pivotal role in starting the French and Indian War.
He was sent as an envoy to the French in the Ohio Valley, where he delivered a message demanding their withdrawal.
The refusal of the French led to a skirmish, which Washington initiated and which marked the war’s beginning. This event also set the stage for his future military and political career.
4. George Washington’s Only International Travel Was to Barbados
Unlike many of his contemporaries, George Washington’s travels were quite limited.
In 1751, he accompanied his half-brother Lawrence to Barbados, hoping the climate would improve Lawrence’s tuberculosis. T
his trip marked Washington’s only journey outside the continental United States. It also exposed him to smallpox, to which he gained immunity— a crucial factor later in his life.
5. George Washington Was a Successful Liquor Distributor
Washington was not only a political and military leader but also a successful entrepreneur. At his Mount Vernon estate, he operated one of the largest whiskey distilleries in America at the time.
By the time of his death, the distillery produced over 11,000 gallons of whiskey a year. This endeavor was one of many that showcased Washington’s business acumen.
6. George Washington Never Served in the British Army
Despite his involvement in the military from a young age, George Washington never officially served in the British Army. He was involved in the military through the Virginia militia, which was distinct from the British military hierarchy.
Washington’s aspirations to join the British Army were never realized, shaping his path towards American leadership.
7. George Washington Had No Biological Children
George Washington and his wife, Martha, never had children together. Martha was a widow with two children from her previous marriage, whom Washington raised as his own.
The absence of biological children has led to speculation about Washington’s health, though no definitive reason is known.
His stepchildren and their descendants inherited his estate.
8. George Washington’s Farewell Address Was Never Verbally Delivered
One of Washington’s most significant contributions to American political tradition, his Farewell Address, was published in newspapers in 1796.
It was not given as a speech but was a 32-page handwritten letter advising the young nation. Washington warned against permanent alliances with foreign powers, political factions, and the dangers of partisanship.
His advice continues to resonate in American politics today.
9. George Washington Was Unanimously Elected President Twice
It is a testament to George Washington’s immense popularity and respected status that he remains the only president to have been unanimously elected by the Electoral College, and he achieved this feat twice, in 1789 and 1793.
This unanimous support reflected the trust and confidence the American people and the electors had in his leadership during the formative years of the United States.
10. George Washington Resigned His Commission Before Becoming President
In an act that underscored his commitment to American Republican ideals, George Washington resigned his commission as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army in 1783.
This move was symbolic, emphasizing the subordination of military power to civilian government.
He presented his resignation to the Congress, which was then located in Annapolis, Maryland.
11. George Washington Signed The United States’ First Copyright Act
Acknowledging the importance of intellectual property, Washington signed the Copyright Act of 1790 into law.
This act granted American authors and inventors exclusive rights to their creations for a certain period of time. It demonstrated Washington’s forward-thinking attitude toward innovation and creativity. The act laid the groundwork for the United States’ comprehensive copyright laws.
12. George Washington Was One of the Richest Presidents in US History
Through a combination of inheritance, marriage, and his own entrepreneurial endeavors, George Washington amassed significant wealth.
At the time of his death, Washington was one of the largest landowners in the United States, and his estate was valued at over half a million dollars— a colossal sum at the time.
His wealth would still place him among the richest presidents in American history when adjusted for inflation.
13. George Washington’s Death Prompted a Nationwide Period of Mourning
Washington’s death on December 14, 1799, was met with a profound sense of loss across the nation.
Memorial services were held in many cities, and Congress wore mourning badges for a month. His legacy was commemorated with speeches, eulogies, and public mourning that reflected the nation’s deep respect and affection for its first president.
Washington’s death marked the end of an era in American history.
FAQs About George Washington
Did George chop down a cherry tree?
The story of George Washington chopping down a cherry tree and confessing to it by saying, “I cannot tell a lie,” is apocryphal.
This story was popularized by biographer Parson Weems in the early 19th century, aiming to illustrate Washington’s honesty.
However, there is no historical evidence to support the tale, making it a piece of American folklore rather than fact.
What was George Washington’s role in the Constitutional Convention?
George Washington played a pivotal role in the Constitutional Convention of 1787 as its president. His presence lent credibility and a sense of purpose to the proceedings.
Although he was not the most vocal member, Washington’s leadership was instrumental in navigating the convention through difficult debates, leading to the drafting of the United States Constitution.
How did George Washington feel about slavery?
George Washington’s views on slavery evolved over his lifetime. Initially a slave owner, Washington’s perspective began to shift during and after the Revolutionary War.
In his will, he made provisions for the emancipation of his slaves upon his wife’s death, making him the only prominent Founding Father to take such a step. His actions and writings late in life reflect a complex view, showing an increasing discomfort with the institution of slavery.
What illnesses did George Washington suffer from?
George Washington faced several serious illnesses throughout his life, including diphtheria, tuberculosis, smallpox, malaria, and dysentery. His exposure to smallpox in Barbados provided him immunity, which was a significant advantage during the Revolutionary War. Washington’s final illness was a severe throat infection, which ultimately led to his death by what is thought to have been epiglottitis.