Ten fun facts about George Washington

1. A President Who Loved His Home State

George Washington was the only president in history to never live in Washington D.C. during his time in office. Instead, he chose to remain in his beloved Mount Vernon estate in Virginia, where he had lived since 1754. During his presidency, he would often travel to the nation's capital to conduct business, but he never made it his permanent residence. This is a testament to his commitment to his home state of Virginia, and his dedication to the nation he helped to create.

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2. Unanimous President

George Washington was a remarkable leader who made history as the only president to be unanimously elected. His election was a testament to the respect and admiration he had earned from the American people, and his legacy continues to be celebrated today. His election was a major milestone in the history of the United States, and it is a reminder of the power of democracy and the importance of having a leader who is respected and admired by the people.

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3. George Washington's Favorite Foods

George Washington had a penchant for exotic foods, particularly pineapples and Brazil Nuts. He was known to enjoy the sweet and tart flavor of the pineapple, as well as the crunchy texture of the Brazil Nuts. He was often seen indulging in these treats, and they were a staple in his diet.

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4. Augustine Washington: Iron Mine Tycoon

George Washington's father, Augustine Washington, was a successful planter and businessman. He was part owner and director of an iron mine, which was a major source of income for the Washington family. This iron mine was located in the Northern Neck of Virginia, and was one of the most profitable iron mines in the region. Augustine Washington's success in the iron mining business enabled him to provide a comfortable lifestyle for his family, and helped to shape the future of the United States.

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5. George Washington's Painful Dentistry

At the age of 57, George Washington had all of his teeth pulled out, a painful and difficult procedure for anyone, let alone a man of his stature. The procedure was done by a dentist named John Greenwood, who was known for his skill in extracting teeth. Washington was known to have suffered from dental problems for many years prior to the extraction, and the procedure was done in an effort to alleviate the pain and discomfort he was experiencing. Despite the pain, Washington was said to have remained stoic throughout the procedure.

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6. George Washington's Education

George Washington was a man of many talents, and his education was no exception. He was educated by his father, Augustine Washington, and his older brother, Lawrence Washington. His father taught him mathematics, surveying, and the principles of agriculture, while his brother taught him the principles of military science and strategy. This education provided George Washington with the skills and knowledge he needed to become the first President of the United States.

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7. George Washington's Passion for Horses

George Washington was an avid horseman and an exceptional equestrian. He had a deep love and appreciation for horses, and was known to be an incredibly skilled rider. He was so talented that he was even able to ride a horse while standing up in the saddle. Washington's passion for horses was so strong that he owned over 30 of them throughout his lifetime.

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8. A Man of His Own Style

George Washington was a man of his own style, bucking the trend of the time by refusing to wear a powdered wig. Instead, he opted for a more natural look, wearing his own hair, which was said to be reddish-brown in color. His decision to forgo the powdered wig was a bold move, as it was the custom for men of the time to wear them.

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9. A Reclusive Master of Etiquette

George Washington was known for his aversion to physical contact, and he famously never shook hands with people. Instead, he would bow or tip his hat as a sign of respect. This was a common practice among the upper classes of the 18th century, and Washington was known to be a stickler for etiquette. He was also known to be a very private person, and this aversion to physical contact was likely a reflection of his desire to keep his personal life separate from his public persona.

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10. 14yo GW Joins Navy, Becomes Master

At the tender age of 14, George Washington made the bold decision to join the British Royal Navy. This was an unprecedented move for someone so young, and it marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career for the future first President of the United States. Washington's time in the Navy would prove to be invaluable, as it taught him the skills and discipline necessary to lead a nation.

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