Fun facts about George Washington that will surprise you
With his tweets, comments, and glorious statements, Donald Trump has managed to capture the attention of millions around the globe. While the world continues to speculate what is in store for the current President of the United States, let us take a stroll down memory lane and have a look at the outlandish ways of the first President of the United States, George Washington.
From being a great dancer to an excellent horseman and athlete, George Washington was a unique President to say the least. He is widely known to have been the key player in shaping the role and function of the President of the United States. Here are few facts about Washington that may surprise you:
A habitual letter writer
It is said that Washington had penned down approximately 18,000 to 20,000 letters throughout his life.
Toothy issues
Washington was constantly bothered by toothaches. At 57, he had all his teeth pulled. From then on, he wore ivory false teeth set in a silver plate, contrary to the notion that he had wooden teeth.
A school dropout
He started school at the age of six but had to leave at 15 as his mother couldn’t afford it. However, he was so good at mathematics that he got a job as a paid surveyor at the age of 16. He received a really good fee and also discovered an ability to identify and select the best plots of land for purchase.
The wig-like hair
The hair was his – the pigtail, the puffy part in the back, and the roll of perfect curls near his neck. Also, he wasn’t white-haired but reddish brown. It only looked white because he powdered it.
Everyone’s favourite
George Washington was the only President who never ran for President. He is also the only President who was unanimously elected both times, receiving 69 votes in 1789 and 132 in 1792, which represented all of the electoral votes.
The ‘General’
All his friends addressed him as General. Although we do not know how his wife addressed him in private, in public she called him the same.
His physical strength
His physical strength was good enough to crack walnut shells between his knuckles and forefingers.
The President who didn’t occupy the White House
The White House was completed after his death, thus making him the only President to not have occupied the White House.
The entrepreneur
Washington was one of America’s most successful liquor distributors and owned a distillery. According to Julian Niemcewicz, a Polish visitor to the estate, it distilled 12,000 gallons a year.
The dog lover
He treated his dogs as members of his family and gave them unique names such as Taster, and Tipsy Drunkard. It is believed that he may have had 50 or more dogs during his entire lifetime. He is even known as the ‘Father of the American Foxhound’.
Surprised much?