“Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for I have grown not only gray but almost blind in the service of my country.”
These words by George Washington—showing modesty and dedication—elevated him to iconic leadership. From the battlefields to the presidency, his life was filled with wonderful moments that helped shape a young America. Here are lesser-known facts about the first president of America that speak to his character and what he did for history.
1. The Coup That Wasn’t
When Washington’s officers were on the verge of mutiny over unpaid wages, he calmed them by reading a letter from Congress, first putting on his glasses and remarking on his nearly lost vision in service to his country. The gesture moved his men to tears, dissolving the crisis.
2. Borrowed Money for the Inauguration
Despite his substantial land holdings and status, Washington had little cash and had to borrow money to attend his own inauguration in New York City. Part of his motivation to take the presidency was for the salary it provided.
3. A Legacy of Freedom
In his will, Washington directed that all his enslaved people be freed after his wife’s death. This act took effect on January 1, 1801, decades before the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.
4. A Towering Presence
Standing over 6 feet tall and weighing around 225 pounds, Washington was much larger than the average man of his time. There is even a statue at the Smithsonian of him, in Greek style, as a muscular man.
5. Setting Limits on Power
Washington declined a third term, fearing that his death in office could imply a lifetime appointment for presidents. His choice established the two-term tradition, later solidified in the Constitution.
6. A Fatal Treatment
After developing a sore throat in 1799, Washington asked his doctors to bleed him heavily, as was common then. Sadly, losing nearly 40% of his blood within twelve hours proved fatal.
7. A Commitment to Staying Off English Soil
Allegedly, Washington claimed he would never set foot on English soil again. To honor this, when his statue was placed in London, it was set on American soil brought over for the occasion.
8. Caution Against Political Parties
Washington warned of the dangers of political parties, fearing they would divide the country and lead to conflicts between North and South—a prediction that proved prophetic.
9. Choosing “Mr. President”
Washington set a precedent by opting for the title “Mr. President” rather than “His Excellency” or “His Highness,” which some had proposed, grounding the office in simplicity.
10. The First Execution for Treason
A plot to kill or kidnap Washington was discovered during the Revolutionary War, involving members of his Life Guards. One traitor, Thomas Hickey, was the first person executed for treason in the U.S., witnessed by 20,000 people.
11. The Tooth Trouble
John Adams noted that Washington lost his teeth from cracking Brazil nuts with his jaws. By the time he took office as President, he had only one natural tooth remaining and relied on a set of dentures. Washington wore dentures, but contrary to popular belief, they weren’t wooden! His false teeth were a mix of human teeth, animal teeth, and ivory, often causing him pain. Washington even had to constantly adjust his expressions in paintings to hide his dentures, which gave him the famously stiff look in his portraits. It just goes to show the silent struggles he went through, while leading a new nation.