Trending
As we approach Presidents Day, I thought it would be interesting to investigate and unearth some lesser-known facts about our founding father, George Washington. I will sift through the myriad of information out there to uncover the truths amidst the fictions.
Let's begin by debunking a popular myth. At the risk of disappointing you dear reader, I must expose the truth. According to every account I read, the enduring story of young George chopping down the cherry tree and then confessing the misdeed to his father is pure, unsubstantiated fiction. A good story with a wonderful message, but it was just that, a story. With that clarification, let's proceed.
Even though there are many educational institutions that bear his name, Washington never received a formal education past the age of 11. After the death of his father, his mother simply could not afford to send him. As the oldest child, he was needed on the tobacco farm. The skills that he attained during his life were all self-taught. He became a surveyor by trade, a skill which became invaluable during his service in the French and Indian War. Interestingly, Washington was the first to fire a shot in this conflict.
Washington's commitment to following the rules was unrivaled. This is not surprising in and of itself, but it was interesting to learn that it even extended to the Boston Tea Party. He agreed with the rationale behind the action, the unfair taxation of the colonists without representation by the British, but he was opposed to any act of vandalism against someone else's property. He even thought that the British East India Company should have been compensated for the damages incurred.
Another fascinating aspect is the number of times Washington beat death. Between his service during the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War he found himself in many perilous situations yet was never injured. He did, however, have two horses shot out from under him, receive four bullet holes to his coat, and one through his hat. In addition, he overcame diphtheria, tuberculosis, smallpox, malaria, dysentery, pneumonia and nearly drowned in an icy river. It was believed by some that he surely had a higher power guiding and protecting him, and it certainly would appear so.
While Washington may have avoided war injuries, it is believed that his teeth did not fare as well. Allegedly, they were ruined by the cracking of walnut shells and had to be replaced with a set of false teeth. Although widely believed to be wooden, they were, in fact, constructed from a mixing of materials including gold, ivory, animal bone and human teeth. We won't discuss where the human teeth came from, that is a subject for another day. His dental struggles did not deter him from eating his favorite breakfast, hoecakes (cornmeal pancakes) topped with butter and honey. It is quite possible these were his favorite because they were soft and easy to chew since his false teeth were anything but high functioning.
Washington was a humble and generous man, loved by the people. Elected unanimously as the first U.S. President, he refused a salary and occasionally funded government salaries from his own pocket. Interestingly, he never resided in the White House, despite his role in planning it as well as Washington, D.C.
During his inauguration, Washington added "So help me God" to the oath of office, a tradition maintained by succeeding presidents. Another act by Washington that continues to this day is the celebration of Thanksgiving. That's right, George Washington as President proclaimed November 26 as a national holiday!
Not only was he the first President of the United States, but he was also the first to breed horses and donkeys to create mules. The donkey was a gift from the king of Spain. He believed this new breed would be important to farmers and he was correct as they soon became a staple in agriculture, especially in the south. Mules were not the only animals he bred. He was a huge dog lover and owned many breeds from Dalmatians to Foxhounds and several others in between. He had some rather interesting names for them as well such as Sweet Lips, Trulove, Drunkard, and Madame Moose.
Oh, and the interesting facts just keep coming. He was also a very prominent entrepreneur. He was one of the most successful producers and distributors of rye whiskey and fruit brandy in the country. His distillery produced 11,000 gallons of whiskey per year. If you visit George's home at Mount Vernon today, you can tour the reconstructed distillery and purchase whiskey made from George's original recipe.
Although Washington is often portrayed in paintings as being rather stoic and aloof, he was quite the opposite, very sociable. He loved parties, the theater, and he loved to dance. The Washingtons were also very hospitable. The doors to their home were always open to visitors. In fact, in 1785, out of 365 days, he and Martha welcomed 235 overnight guests. I cannot even imagine that revolving door!
George Washington's multifaceted personality and diverse interests combined to create his legacy as a man of character, integrity, ingenuity, and courage. As we honor him on Presidents Day, let's remember the remarkable contributions of the Father of this Country. I will leave you with a quote from Washington, "Still I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain the character of an honest man."
Happy Presidents Day!
...
Rhonda Kelley is the executive director of the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce.