15 Bizarre George Washington Facts

Introduction:

George Washington is often regarded as one of the most iconic figures in American history. Known for being the first President of the United States, Washington led the country through its formative years and set a precedent for future leaders to follow. However, beyond his presidential legacy, there are many fascinating and bizarre facts about George Washington that are not widely known. In this article, we will explore 15 of the most intriguing facts about the man behind the myth.

Fact 1: Wooden Teeth?

Contrary to popular belief, George Washington did not actually have wooden teeth. His dentures were made from a combination of human teeth, animal teeth, and ivory, giving rise to the misconception that they were wooden.

Fact 2: Childhood Nickname

As a child, George Washington’s family and friends called him “The Little Lion” due to his fearless nature and independent spirit.

Fact 3: Washington’s Height

George Washington was a towering figure, standing at an impressive 6 feet 2 inches tall. In his time, this made him one of the tallest men in America.

Fact 4: Horse Lover

Washington was an avid equestrian and owned several horses throughout his life. His favorite horse was named Nelson, who was known for his speed and endurance.

Fact 5: Washington’s Whiskey Business

In addition to being a farmer and military leader, George Washington also operated a successful whiskey distillery at Mount Vernon. His distillery produced over 11,000 gallons of whiskey in 1799, making it one of the largest in America at the time.

Fact 6: Mount Vernon’s Diverse Crops

At Mount Vernon, Washington cultivated a wide variety of crops, including wheat, corn, and tobacco. He also experimented with new agricultural techniques and crops, earning him a reputation as a successful and innovative farmer.

Fact 7: Washington’s Military Strategy

During the Revolutionary War, George Washington employed a strategy known as “Fabian tactics,” which involved avoiding direct confrontation with the enemy and instead focusing on guerrilla warfare and hit-and-run tactics.

Fact 8: Washington’s Slave Ownership

Despite his reputation as a champion of liberty and freedom, George Washington owned over 300 slaves throughout his life. He did eventually free his slaves in his will upon his death.

Fact 9: Washington’s Farewell Address

In his famous Farewell Address, George Washington warned against the dangers of political parties and foreign entanglements, urging future generations to maintain unity and independence.

Fact 10: Washington’s Cherry Tree Myth

The story of George Washington chopping down a cherry tree and confessing to his father “I cannot tell a lie” is actually a myth created by biographer Parson Weems. There is no historical evidence to support this famous anecdote.

Fact 11: Washington’s Revolutionary War Record

Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, George Washington never lost a battle during the Revolutionary War. His leadership and strategic acumen were instrumental in securing America’s independence.

Fact 12: Washington’s Unanimous Election

George Washington remains the only President in American history to be unanimously elected by the Electoral College, receiving all 69 electoral votes in both the 1789 and 1792 presidential elections.

Fact 13: Washington’s Presidential Precedents

As the first President of the United States, George Washington established many important precedents, including the two-term limit for presidents, the title “Mr. President,” and the tradition of delivering an inaugural address.

Fact 14: Washington’s Death

On December 14, 1799, George Washington passed away at his home in Mount Vernon. His death was mourned by the entire nation, and he was laid to rest in a family tomb on the estate.

Fact 15: Washington’s Legacy

George Washington’s legacy as a founding father, military leader, and statesman continues to resonate today. His contributions to American history and his enduring example of leadership and integrity make him a figure worth remembering and celebrating.

Conclusion

In conclusion, George Washington was a man of many talents and accomplishments, with a life filled with fascinating and bizarre facts. From his towering height to his whiskey distillery, Washington’s legacy is as complex and intriguing as the man himself. By exploring these 15 bizarre facts about George Washington, we gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the legend and the impact he had on shaping the nation we know today.