George Washington, born in Virginia on February 11, 1731 (Old Style calendar), was more than just the first U.S. president. While many people know the basics about him, there are plenty of fascinating George Washington facts that often go unnoticed. Here are some surprising details about his life!
1. The Cherry Tree Story? A Myth
The famous “I cannot tell a lie” tale was completely made up by a biographer named Parson Weems. He created the story to illustrate Washington’s honesty, but no historical evidence supports it. Despite this, the myth persists as part of American folklore. (Source: Mount Vernon)
2. He Loved Dogs
Washington was a devoted dog owner and is considered the father of the American foxhound breed. He kept over 30 dogs at Mount Vernon and gave them unique names like Sweet Lips, Drunkard, and Vulcan. His love for dogs extended to his military service, where he once returned a lost dog to an enemy officer during the Revolutionary War. (Source: American Battlefield Trust)
3. No Wooden Teeth
Contrary to popular belief, Washington’s dentures were not made of wood. Instead, they were crafted from a mix of human teeth, cow teeth, and ivory, held together with metal. He suffered from dental issues throughout his life and had only one natural tooth left by the time he became president. (Source: Mount Vernon.org)
4. He Didn’t Want to Be President
Washington was reluctant to become president and preferred a quiet life on his plantation. However, he was unanimously elected and felt a duty to serve. Even after his first term, he wished to retire, but his peers urged him to stay for a second term. His leadership set many precedents for future presidents. (Source: Library of Congress)
5. One of the Wealthiest Presidents
Washington was a skilled businessman, owning vast amounts of land, mills, fisheries, and even a distillery. His estate at Mount Vernon covered thousands of acres, and his wealth placed him among the richest presidents in history. However, he often struggled with liquidity issues due to the nature of his assets. (Source: Forbes)
6. Whiskey Entrepreneur
Washington’s Mount Vernon estate was home to one of the largest whiskey distilleries in the United States at the time. By 1799, it was producing over 11,000 gallons of rye whiskey annually. Today, the distillery has been reconstructed and operates as a historical site. (Source: Mount Vernon)
7. Never Lived in the White House
Although Washington chose the location for the White House, it was not completed during his presidency. Instead, he lived in executive residences in New York and Philadelphia. John Adams was the first president to reside in the White House. (Source: history.com)
8. Talented Dancer
Washington was well-known for his social graces and particularly excelled in dancing. The minuet was his favorite, a complex and elegant dance that required skill and practice. His refined dancing style made him a favorite at social gatherings. (Source: National Archives)
9. Survived Many Near-Deaths
Washington had several close calls in his lifetime. During battle, he had bullets tear through his coat, but he was never hit. He also survived a severe bout of smallpox as a teenager, which left him with lifelong immunity. Additionally, he almost drowned when he fell into an icy river during a military campaign. (Source: PBS)
10. Set the Two-Term Tradition
Unlike monarchs or lifelong rulers, Washington voluntarily stepped down after two terms, believing in the peaceful transfer of power. This precedent became a tradition until Franklin D. Roosevelt served four terms, leading to the passage of the 22nd Amendment, which officially limited presidents to two terms. (Source: U.S. National Archives)
To learn more about Seattle, Washington, or if you wish to live in the Emerald City, contact Emily Hawkins to set an appointment.
(Sources: Mount Vernon, Smithsonian Institution, White House Historical Association, National Archives, Forbes, American Kennel Club, Library of Congress, U.S. National Archives, National Museum of American History)
(Sources: Mount Vernon, Smithsonian Institution, White House Historical Association, National Archives, Forbes, American Kennel Club, Library of Congress, U.S. National Archives, National Museum of American History)
