11 Facts About President George Washington

President George Washington (CREDIT: pixabay)

We frequently believe that we understand the "Father of His Country" because of his crossed Delaware, powdered wig, and allegedly "wooden" teeth. George Washington, however, was much more multifaceted than his marble sculptures portray. The story of the individual who spearheaded a revolution and ended up being the first American president was full of unforeseen events, near disasters, and silently bold decisions. A number of these facts could lead you to reconsider the assumptions you had regarding him. Indeed, he gave a dog the name "Drunkard." Allow ourselves to explore the lesser-known facts of President George Washington's lifetime that are frequently left out of historical study guides.

1. He Never Lived in The White House: George Washington did not actually live in the White House, which is an unusual fact to consider. Although building started under his presidency, it was still incomplete up until 1800, following the fact that he had already departed from presidency. He presided over both New York City and Philadelphia. Therefore, even though we think of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue as the presidential residence, Washington did not set foot there.

2. He Voluntarily Gave Up Power, Twice: How many people in leadership do you recognize who voluntarily give up their positions of authority? George Washington did it twice. First, he stepped down as commander-in-chief following the Revolutionary War as opposed to taking over, exactly what many were afraid of. He subsequently turned down a third term as president having served two. This had a significant impact on American democracy. No titles. Not a king. Only service.

3. He Created The Title “Mr. President”: Think about addressing your commander as "Your Majesty." In fact, that was on the surface. George Washington persisted on using the straightforward and modest title of "Mr. President," despite the desire of several early government officials for a more impressive title. It endured, and established an enduring democratic spirit. No requirement for crowns.

4. He Was One of The Wealthiest Presidents: George Washington was extremely wealthy regardless of his lowly status. His Mount Vernon home, his property assets, and the compelled tasks of the numerous subjected individuals would have made him worth hundreds of millions of dollars currently. In addition to reflecting the social circumstances at the time, his financial situation indicated that he did not accept an income as commander-in-chief throughout the conflict.

5. He Was a Dog Lover & Breeder: George Washington raised dogs in addition to owning them. He was famous for giving his numerous dogs humorous names like Drunkard, Tipsy, and Sweet Lips. Envision the first American president yelling, "Here, Drunkard!" throughout the entirety of his property. It was difficult to think about it, yet it did occur.

6. He Survived Multiple Near-Death Experiences: George Washington's ability to survive was quite extraordinary. He escaped smallpox and dysentery while he was still young. In a single incident, horses were shot out from beneath him and bullets ripped through his clothing, yet he escaped unharmed. Additionally, he almost drowned while crossing a frozen river. It seems as though history required him to remain.

7. He Did Not Have a Middle Name: Have you ever wondered why you do not encounter the full name of George Washington? He did not possess a middle one, which is why. Middle names were uncommon in colonial America, particularly among English newcomers. George Washington maintained things straightforward since that pattern emerged afterwards.

8. He Signed The First United States Copyright Law: Washington passed laws granting writers 14 years of unlimited access to their works in 1790. It was the nation's initial move to safeguard intellectual property. The first president deserves some credit for ensuring that the works of writers, painters, and musicians have lawful worth.

9. He Did Not Shake Hands: Politicians nowadays shake hands with almost everybody, however, George Washington declined. He made a courteous bowing since he believed that handshakes were too informal for the workplace. Official? Indeed. However, it represented how much responsibility he thought the office of president was supposed to possess.

10. He Helped Design The New Capital City: In addition to serving as president and head of the army, George Washington additionally influenced the nation's visual appearance. He presided over the initial planning of Washington, D.C., and selected the site for the capital (along the Potomac River). The city has his name for a purpose, even if others were in charge of the construction.

11. He Struggled With Spelling & Grammar: George Washington was far from flawless, particularly when it came to writing, even though he was considered one of the greatest renowned individuals in American history. He frequently repeated mistakes in spelling, incorrect punctuation, and irregular grammar in his confidential messages. It serves as an encouraging awareness that even outstanding leaders have flaws. (And no, Grammarly was not available to him.)

Summary: The Significance of The Above Facts

George Washington is actually on a couple platforms, therefore, it would be effortless to position him on one. However, the belief's true creator was a contradictory person. He was powerful but greatly worried about over-reaching, prosperous but humble, courageous but careful. Because of this, his narrative is both remarkable and relatable. Not only does knowing the above unfamiliar facts provide interesting knowledge, they enable us to get an understanding how the founding of the United States was built by governance, humbleness, as well as shortcomings. Additionally, there is a chance for the remaining of humanity if President George Washington can withstand smallpox, reject the throne, and yet lose his ability to express himself "genuinely."