Poor George Washington dealt with great pain most of his adult life due to his teeth…or rather, lack thereof. He had such bad teeth that they were all pulled out. Transplant surgery failed and so he had falsies made, not from wood, but from ivory and other peoples’ teeth. That is nasty and crude to us today but back then it was as far as the dental science had come.
Did you know that George actually had red hair? During his era most men of his stature wore white wigs, but George refused and covered his own hair color with white powder.
George’s birthday is actually on February 22nd but the federal holiday celebrating his day was set to be the third Monday of February. Some states celebrate this day as “President’s Day” and some celebrate it as “Washington’s Birthday”. Although, the national holiday was set to officially honor the life and work of George Washington, our first president of the United States (1789-1793, 1793-1797).
Interesting Facts:
George was not from a wealthy family and they could not afford to send him to school. He was home schooled by his half brother, Lawrence, whom he was very close to.
His first job was as a land surveyor.
George never cut down his father’s cherry tree.
Martha became his wife when he was 27. They never had children of their own but he helped her raise her children from a previous marriage.
George enjoyed a stellar military career which spanned over 40 years. He was posthumously promoted to General of the Armies of the United States 175 years after his death. This is the highest possible rank in the US Army.
George was paid $25k p/year for his presidency.
He refused to run for a 3rd term and felt that should be the greatest length for any president.
George’s hobbies included farming, especially the study of ways to water his crops through tunnels/banks. He also secretly enjoyed knitting.
He died of pneumonia after a severe case of tonsillitis. George Washington is buried at his home, Mt. Vernon in Virginia.
He wrote in his will that after his death he wanted all of his slaves released to live their lives as they wish.
Images of George Washington’s home, Mt. Vernon:
