Top 10 Facts about George Washington

By Rembrandt Peale – Wikimedia

Top 10 Facts about George Washington

George Washington was the first President of the United States of America. He served as president from 1789 to 1797.

President Washington led the Patriot forces to victory in the nation’s War for Independence.

He chaired the Constitutional Convention of 1787, that led to the establishment of the U.S. Constitution and a federal government. Considered as the founding father, Washington, has been lauded for his leadership during the formative days of the new America.

George Washington remains to be one of the most iconic political figures in American history. The farewell address during his funeral is said to be one of the most famous speeches in American history.

With that said, let’s now look at the top 10 facts about America’s founding father, popularly referred to as General.

1. George Washington did not get a formal education

Unlike his older brothers who went to elementary school in England, Washington did not have the formal education they did.

His education was cut short after his father died when he was 11.

However, Washington did learn mathematics, trigonometry, and land surveying. He became a talented draftsman and map-maker.

His mother never remarried and so Washington had to wear the big shoes of providing for the family.

He learnt how to run the tobacco farm from his mother and his first job was as a land surveyor. Over time, he exchanged ideas that contributed greatly to the agricultural revolution of his time.

2. Washington’s first job was as a surveyor

By Henry Hintermeister – Wikimedia

As a land surveyor, Washington gained an intimate knowledge of Indian country and a small fortune inland. Surveying was a respectable profession in the 18^th century.

Most of his surveying work documented the settlement of the territory along with west Virginia. He successfully practised land surveying for over fifty years.

He also worked in mapping out the boundaries and agricultural fields of his continually expanding Mount Vernon plantation.

Washington received a surveyor’s license in 1749 from the College of William and Mary.

3. He caught smallpox while on a trip to Barbados

In 1751, Washington accompanied his brother Lawrence to Barbados. His brother had tuberculosis and they hoped the climate would cure his disease.

While on this trip, Washington caught smallpox. While it made his immunity strong, his face was left scarred.

His brother did not get better, he died a year later.

4. He holds the highest rank in the American military

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Washington was a fearless soldier who led troops in numerous military engagements. Despite his skilled leadership in war, Washington lost more battle than he won.

While fighting in the French and Indian War, two of his horses were shot and his coat had four bullet holes, many considered him invincible.

For his courage, leadership and resilience, Washington was posthumously promoted to General of the Armies of the United States. This is the highest rank in the US military.

5. Washington freed all his slaves

Washington had contradicting attitudes toward slavery and it remains to be a mystery of his life and legacy. He was a wealthy landowner in Virginia and like most of them, he owned slaves.

He first owned slaves after his father died and later got more after he got married. She came with her own slaves.

Washington decided to free his slaves after his wife’s death. About 123 slaves were freed.

It was reported that he opposed flogging but condoned it as a last resort for both female and male slave.

According to the law, he was required to take care of the slaves after his death. This was taken care of by his estate.

6. Washington’s teeth were not made from wood

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George Washington had several sets of false teeth over the years. It was rumoured that they were made from wood. This was false.

One of his dentist’s used a cow’s tooth, hippopotamus ivory, metal and springs to create one set. The spring inside the dentures helped them open and close.

The human teeth that were used to create Washington’s false teeth were sourced from his African American slaves. The purchase records still exist.

Washington loved to eat hoecakes for breakfast. He lost most of his teeth by cracking walnut shells.

7. He was a father to many although not biologically

Washington adopted his wife’s children when they got married. The two never a child together. Many believed that smallpox or tuberculosis was the reason why he did not sire children

He was very fond of his stepsons and grieved when Patsy, the younger son, died at 17 from an epileptic seizure.

Washington would advise his stepson on the importance of education and discipline. He also advised his granddaughter against marrying for the wrong reason.

8. George Washington was the first to sign the United States Constitution

By Howard Chandler Christy – Wikimedia

During the American Revolution, George Washington witnessed first-hand the serious inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation.

Washington travelled to Philadelphia in 1787 to attend a convention gathered to propose changes to the Confederation.

He was chosen to lead over the Constitutional Convention, a job that took four months.

As the president of the convention, Washington was given the honour of being the first to add his name to this governing document.

9. Little is known about his religious belief

When it comes to his religious beliefs, Washington wore a poker face. Historians have attempted to figure this out but never had any conclusive answer on his belief.

His actions were seen as being contradictory. He would encourage Americans to go to church but he seldom did.

Washington served as a churchwarden but never took the holy communion. He also did not mention God or Jesus Christ in his writings.

One certain thing was that he believed in a divine power who protected him.

10. He was initiated into Freemasonry

By Joe Ravi – Wikimedia

Freemasonry was a widely accepted institution in the late 18th century. Freemasons were known for advocating for moral teachings.

Washington was attracted to their values and their dedication to the Enlightenment principles of rationality, reason, and brotherhood.

He got initiated at the age of 20 and quickly rose to the rank of Master Mason. He, however, did not frequent the Masonic lodge in Fredericksburg.