Birthdate: February 22, 1732 in Pope’s Creek, VA
Death: December 14, 1799 in Mount Vernon, VA
George Washington was the first to serve in our nation’s highest office. How much do you know about one of the first founding fathers? Here are some fun facts and tidbits you may not have known that are featured in the first Presidential Spotlight.
Washington was a huge dog lover. He had more than 30 dogs. A few of their names were: Drunkard, Tipler, Sweet Lips, Tarter and Tipsy. I am a huge dog lover. I own two German Shepherds. I do not know if I could own 30 at one time.
Washington liked to chow down on: peanut soup, mashed sweet potatoes with coconut, and string beans with mushrooms. These are very different menu items then what our presidents eat today.
Washington did not have a middle name. His name is simply George Washington.
He married at age 26. Martha Dandridge Custis was a widow with two children when they were married. They do not have any children of their own. Some historians think that he may be infertile. His step-children, Jacky and Patsy died at young ages. Jacky died at age 27 due to camp fever. He had traveled to work as a civilian aide to his step-father. Pasty, died eight years earlier as a teenager after suffering from a seizure.
Washington also holds the highest rank in the US military. No one will ever outrank him. His official title is: General of the Armies of the United States. He was also the only sitting president that went into battle. On September 19, 1794, George Washington led the militia on a march west over the Allegheny Mountains to the town of Bedford.
He inherited 10 slaves after his father’s death. Washington was just 11 years old. When he died, he owned more than 300 slaves.
He did not wear a wig. His hair appeared white due to being powdered. You can see a picture of Washington’s Hair here: http://statemuseumpa.org/locks-george-washington-hair/
There is a hair sample that is in possession at The State Museum in Pennsylvania.
George Washington stood at 6’2 and weighed about 174 pounds.
We owe a thank you to his mother, Mary Washington. George had wanted to join the Royal Navy when he was 14 years old. His mother, after talking to neighbors and others decided this was not a good move for him.
Mount Vernon was where parts of “National Treasure: Book of Secrets was filmed.” I visited Mount Vernon while it was being filmed. If you ever get a chance to visit Virginia, this is one place that is worth the stop. Mount Vernon is very unique when it comes to places to visit.