Here are some quick facts, opinions, quotes and other information on President George Washington.
Personal Information on George Washington:
- First President (1789-1797)
- Birthday: February 22, 1732 (Friday)
- Birthplace: Pope’s Creek, Virginia
- Zodiac Sign: Pisces
- Birthplace website: George Washington’s Birthplace
- Date of Death: Decemeber 17, 1799 (Tuesday)
- Place of Death: Mount Vernon, Virginia
- Place of Burial: Mount Vernon, Virginia
- Cause of Death: Epiglottits
- Age: 67 years old
- Length of Retirement: 1015 days
- Burial website: George Washington’s home & gravesite
Interesting George Washington facts:
- Legend has it that George Washington had wooden teeth. This is very unlikely. For one thing, wooden teeth would have eventually rotted inside his mouth. George Washington did, however, have very bad teeth. His first written encounter of bad teeth was during the French and Indian War. He had a tooth pulled then and he continued to have dental problems throughout the rest of his life. It is reported that in 1781, he “had partial dentures made with a bone and ivory framework.” He even saved his own teeth that fell out and requested Dr. John Baker, a Williamsburg dentist, to construct a partial bridge with them. A Mary Thompson reported that Washington once purchased nine “Negroes” teeth in 1784 for thirteen shillings apiece. That was a common practice in Washington’s time. No one really knows if Washington ever actually used any of those teeth.
- George Washington is known as the Father of our Country, yet he and his wife, Martha Dandridge Custis Washington, never actually had any children of their own. Martha was married to a rich plantation owner, Daniel Parke Custis, before she was married to George. She would have four children with Custis, but only two of them, John ‘Jacky,’ Parke Custis and Patsy Custis, would live long enough to be around when George and Martha married. Patsy would die of an epolieptic seizure when she was a teenager. John would serve with Washington as an aide during Yorktown. John would die of “Camp Fever” and leave four children. George and Martha would raise two of those children.
- Washington was one of the biggest slave owning Presidents. It is estimated that he owned 277 slaves. No less than 98 of those were under the age of twelve years old. It is also estimated that about ninety of those slaves were married. It is said that Washington really did not like the institution of slavery, but that he needed them to survive the economic times. He did not want to leave his wife in a bind by freeing his slaves on his death, but he did put in his will, upon Martha’s death, his slaves were to be set free. Ron Chernow states, “Martha could not free the dower slaves, who were committed to the Custis heirs.” At least forty-seven of the Washington’s slaves tried to escape for their freedom.
My favorite George Washington Quotes:
Worry is the interest paid by those who borrow trouble.
It is better to be alone than in bad company.
It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.
Few men have virtue enough to withstand the highest bidder.
George Washington blogs (click the title to go to that page):
George Washington page on Presidential Crossroads (click “George Washington” below):
George Washington
George Washington Blogs:
George Washington – The Battle of Trenton and Crossing the Delaware
The General who just would not give up
The Mary Washington (his Mom) Monument
George Washington Myth Buster (a rap)
George Washington – An Animated Story
Presidents Who Thought of Our Nation First
Ten Biggest Presidential Personalities
What similar trait do I have with the first ten Presidents
US President anecdotes, silly stories, and jokes – George Washington Jokes
Personal thoughts on George Washington:
Strengths:
Confidence, Strong Leadership, High Morals, Wisdom, Unshakeable
Weaknesses:
Tolerated disloyalty (sometimes), Feared his reputation getting tarnished
Presidential Greatness Scale (1-poor to 5-great): 5
Comments:
Probably only one of two (Lincoln is probably the other) that deserves a 5. Although he did have some weak moments when he was President, his character and strong leadership set the standard which most future Presidents would try to copy.
Favorite George Washington book:
Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow
Favorite George Washington story:
His courage in battle, especially when he would be shot at as he stood high on his horse. Sometimes he would have bullet holes in his uniform or hat, but he was never seriously injured in battle.
Favorite George Washington memory:
Going to Mount Vernon to see his home there with my wife
Favorite George Washington possession (see picture at the top):
Postcards that are postmarked and sent by my Mom to me from George Washington’s birthplace in 1976 (when I was much younger)
