47 Interesting Facts About George Washington That You Should Know

Last updated on April 18th, 2022

Becoming the President, resolving debt crisis, final address, cause of death

30. Unanimous Election

Moments after he was involved in the constitutional convention, Americans wanted him back to serve the country. He became the first president to win the election, with every elector at the Electoral College voting for him. That must have been a unanimous approval.

31. The Two Term Legacy

He served two terms as the president of the United States. During this time, Americans witnessed massive changes in terms of economy and leadership. He had the right individuals in place with little opposition.

32. An Honorary Citizen of France

As the French Revolution began, an amazing thing happened. He became a French citizen. Interestingly, he never spoke French, and never visited France despite the honorary citizenship. Other Americans awarded the same status will ignore the revolution due to violence.

33. No Political Party Affiliation

Although political parties were showing up and calling themselves Democratic and Republicans, Washington never had affiliations to either of the parties. These opposing views of having political parties, later on, came to actualize later.

34. Washington Almost Stepped Down

After the first term in office, he felt that things were running pretty well, and the institutions could follow the trend for a better United States simply because they enjoy the people’s support. Congress, through Thomas Jefferson, reached him to take a second term.

35. No white House

Unfortunately, the president who did everything possible to have the right governance structures did not enjoy all of them. Since Washington’s terms ended before the White House was completed, he didn’t have that chance. It was completed later on after his death. However, George Washington, selected the site for the White House in 1791; and President John Adams and his wife, Abigail, moved into the unfinished house in 1800.

36. Presence of a Structured Government

With a broad government and capable people, all the aspects were looked at keenly. He appointed the secretary of state, secretary of the treasury, and other critical appointments with the consultation of the cabinet. He observed absolute honesty and integrity in leadership.

37. The Salary

The congress offered a $25,000 salary, but George was still reluctant about it. He never wanted much so that the public doesn’t see him as a burden or selfless leader. He was wise when it comes to protecting the personal image.

38. Man of Titles

Of all the titles you might think of, then George Washington fits them all. He’s surely the man of many titles. The Commander in Chief, the President, General, Continental Commander, among other titles. He preferred a simple title, “Mr. President.”

39. An Enemy of Debts

Long before he became the president, the affairs of the United States were always at heart. The authorities were unable to collect revenues, making it hard to pay debts. Through constitutional convention and later election, he resolves the debt crisis.

40. A Man of Peace

While he was an outstanding ‘no nonsense’ military man, he valued peace. People remember him up to date for signing peace treaties. He did so among the Native American tribes to ensure a peaceful coexistence when running errands or during political times.

41. Took International Relations with Caution

Though he got involved in several wars to fight against intruders, he still watched what was happening around cautiously, including France and Great Britain war of 1793. He later signed a peace treaty with Britain to clear the underlying issues.

42. The Battling President

In the history of the United States, no other president has ever lead the troops to a battlefield. Washington was exceptional. Armed with the military skills and with a desire to see people work closely with the federal government.

43. John Adams Took Over

John worked closely with the president. During the last days as the president, Washington turned over the government to his vice president, John Adams, and later, packed to his homeland at Mount Vernon to pursue farming, among other activities.

44. The Final Address

Washington farewell address is among the precise, yet citizens remember it up to today. Hamilton helped him to compose a speech that focused on not only thanking the Americans but urging them to avoid permanent foreign alliances and partisanship.

45. Place of Residence

Upon retirement, he headed to his homeland, Mount Vernon. That was during the 1797 springs. Leaving the government in able hands, he was sure of a smooth transition that guarantees prosperity.

46. The President Books

Other than being a politician, farmer, and a soldier, George Washington loved to read and write. Among the books he wrote is ‘The Rules of Civility.’ There are multiple books that autobiographers and writers have written about the Founding Father. 

47. Cause of death

George Washington died of a throat infection at the age of 67. He suffered from several other illnesses during his life time. Experts estimate that Washington may have had Diphtheria when he was about 15. He was infected by smallpox at the age of 19. This was a serious concern back then which killed almost 1 out of every three person it affected. And then he suffered with dysentery for a length of time during his life.

George Washington – Quick facts and information

. . . continue reading on the next page (life changing quotes by George Washington)