George Washington was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia.1)
He was the first president of the United States, serving from April 30, 1789, to March 4, 1797.2)
Washington's presidency established many of the traditions and protocols for the office that are still followed today.3)
He is often referred to as the “Father of His Country” for his pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War and the founding of the United States.4)
Washington's military career began in the Virginia militia during the French and Indian War, where he gained valuable leadership experience.5)
Despite limited formal education, Washington was a self-taught surveyor and had a keen interest in mathematics.6)
Washington's stepfather, Augustine Washington, died when George was only 11 years old, leaving him with limited formal education.7)
He married Martha Dandridge Custis, a wealthy widow, in 1759, and together they raised her two children from a previous marriage.8)
Washington was an accomplished farmer and land surveyor, managing Mount Vernon, his plantation in Virginia, which eventually became one of the largest and most successful in the region.9)
Washington was appointed the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution in 1775.10)
He led the Continental Army to a pivotal victory over the British at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781, effectively ending the Revolutionary War.11)
Washington presided over the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where the United States Constitution was drafted.12)
He was unanimously elected as the first President of the United States in 1788 and again in 1792, receiving all electoral votes.13)
Washington voluntarily stepped down from the presidency after serving two terms, establishing a precedent for future presidents.14)
Washington's Farewell Address, delivered in 1796, is considered a seminal piece of American political advice, emphasizing the importance of national unity and avoiding foreign alliances.15)
He was an avid supporter of the idea of a strong central government, which influenced the drafting of the Constitution.16)
Washington was a Freemason and served as the Worshipful Master of his Masonic lodge.17)
The capital city of the United States, Washington, D.C., is named in his honor.18)
Washington's image appears on the one-dollar bill and the quarter coin.19)
He is the only president who did not live in the White House, as it was not completed until after his presidency.20)
Washington's false teeth were not made of wood, as commonly believed, but rather a combination of human and animal teeth, as well as ivory.21)
He was an avid horseback rider and owned several horses, including his famous war horse named Nelson.22)
Washington's height was about 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm), making him considerably taller than the average height of men during his time.23)
Washington was an accomplished equestrian and a skilled horseman, known for his grace and control on horseback.24)
He had a reputation for being stoic and reserved, earning him the nickname “The Marble Man.”25)
Washington was a successful distiller and operated one of the largest whiskey distilleries in America during his time.26)
Despite being a slaveowner, Washington expressed mixed feelings about slavery and eventually freed his slaves in his will.27)
Washington suffered from various health issues throughout his life, including malaria, smallpox, and dental problems.28)
He was posthumously promoted to the rank of General of the Armies of the United States in 1976, making him the highest-ranking military officer in U.S. history.29)
Washington's inauguration as the first president took place on the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City.30)
He was an avid reader and had a substantial personal library.31)
Washington had a deep sense of duty and often spoke of his commitment to serving his country without personal gain.32)
Washington's military strategy during the Revolutionary War was characterized by patience and the avoidance of unnecessary risks.33)
He was a skilled mapmaker and used his cartographic skills during his military campaigns.34)
Washington was an influential advocate for the establishment of the United States Military Academy at West Point.35)
The U.S. Navy's first aircraft carrier, the USS George Washington, was named in his honor.36)
Washington was an honorary citizen of France, a rare honor bestowed upon him by the French Revolutionary government.37)
He is the only president who has been unanimously elected by the Electoral College.38)
Washington was an avid supporter of religious freedom and tolerance.39)
His famous crossing of the Delaware River on December 25, 1776, during the Revolutionary War, played a crucial role in the American victory at the Battle of Trenton.40)
Washington was an accomplished dancer and enjoyed attending balls and social events.41)
The city of Washington, Pennsylvania, was named in honor of George Washington.42)
His farewell address warned against the dangers of political parties and foreign entanglements.43)
Washington's personal motto was “Deeds, not words.”44)
He died on December 14, 1799, at Mount Vernon, and his funeral was attended by a large number of mourners, marking his profound impact on the nation.45)