Crazy But True Stories About The United States First President

When it comes to United States history, one name stands out above all others - George Washington. As the country's first president, Washington had the immense responsibility of leading a newly formed nation. But behind his stoic appearance and revered status lie some truly astonishing stories that paint a unique picture of this iconic figure. From tales of bravery to instances of eccentricity, here are some crazy but true stories about the United States' first president.

1. George Washington's Wooden Teeth Were Not Actually Made of Wood

One of the most well-known myths surrounding George Washington is that he had wooden dentures. However, this is simply not true. While Washington did experience dental issues throughout his life, his dentures were actually made from a mix of materials such as human and animal teeth, ivory, and metal. The misconception of his wooden teeth likely originated from the fact that his dentures often had a wooden appearance due to staining.

2. George Washington Was A Fan of Booze

Contrary to the popular image of Washington as a virtuous and stoic leader, he was actually quite fond of alcohol. In fact, Washington operated a highly successful whiskey distillery at Mount Vernon, his Virginia estate. This venture became one of the largest whiskey distilleries in the country during that time. Washington even developed his own recipe for whiskey, which was quite popular among his peers.

George Washington Was A Badass: Crazy But True Stories About The United States’ First President

by Bill O'Neill (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2359 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	135 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

3. George Washington Survived Several Close Calls During The French and Indian War

Prior to becoming the first president of the United States, George Washington served as a military officer. During the French and Indian War, Washington found himself in numerous dangerous situations. Notably, in 1755, he had two horses shot out from under him during the Battle of the Monongahela. Despite these close calls, Washington managed to survive and continue his military career, eventually leading the American forces to victory in the Revolutionary War.

4. George Washington Never Chopped Down His Father's Cherry Tree

The story of George Washington chopping down his father's cherry tree and confessing to the act has been ingrained in American folklore. However, this tale is purely fictional. It was created by Washington's first biographer, Mason Locke Weems, in order to portray him as an honest and morally upright individual. While the story may not be true, it does illustrate the enduring image of Washington as a symbol of honesty and integrity.

5. George Washington's Famous Battle Strategy at Trenton Involved a Risky River Crossing

One of the most celebrated moments in American Revolutionary War history is George Washington's surprise attack on the Hessian troops stationed in Trenton, New Jersey. To execute this attack, Washington made the bold decision to lead his troops across the icy Delaware River on Christmas night in 1776. This daring maneuver, carried out amidst harsh weather conditions, proved successful and played a significant role in boosting American morale during the war.

6. George Washington Was The Only President To Lead An Army While In Office

Following his presidency, George Washington retired to his beloved Mount Vernon. However, his peaceful retirement was short-lived. In 1798, tensions with France led President John Adams to appoint Washington as the commander-in-chief of the American military forces during the "Quasi-War" with France. This made Washington the only president in U.S. history to lead an army while in office.

7. George Washington Was An Avid Dog Lover

Despite his serious demeanor, George Washington had a soft spot for dogs. He owned several dogs throughout his life, including a favorite foxhound named "Sweet Lips" and a greyhound named "Cornwallis" after the British general whom Washington defeated during the Revolutionary War. Washington even created his own breed, known as the "American Foxhound." His love for his dogs was evident as he frequently mentioned them in his writings.

8. George Washington's Teeth Caused Him Great Discomfort

Although his teeth were not wooden, George Washington still faced significant dental issues. It is estimated that he only had one natural tooth left by the time he became president. This caused him great discomfort and often affected his appearance. Washington frequently wore his dentures for public appearances, as he was self-conscious about his lack of teeth. Despite these challenges, he continued to fulfill his presidential duties with grace and determination.

9. George Washington's Death Was Hastened By Bloodletting

While the exact cause of George Washington’s death remains a subject of debate, one commonly discussed factor is the heavy bloodletting he underwent at the hands of his physicians. Upon falling ill, doctors believed that removing blood would help balance his bodily humors. Unfortunately, this misguided medical practice likely only worsened his condition. Washington passed away on December 14, 1799, at the age of 67.

10. George Washington Contemplated Emancipating His Slaves

George Washington owned slaves throughout his life, yet he wrestled with the moral implications of slavery. In his will, Washington expressed his desire to emancipate the slaves he owned upon the death of his wife, Martha. However, she chose to free them prior to her own death. Washington's conflicted stance on slavery highlights the complex nature of the time in which he lived and serves as a reminder that even revered figures had their own internal struggles.

George Washington was not only a founding father and the first President of the United States, but he was also a multi-dimensional individual with quirks, achievements, and vulnerabilities like any other human being. These crazy but true stories shed light on the lesser-known aspects of Washington's life, presenting a more humanized portrayal of the man behind the myth.

As we continue to celebrate and honor the contributions of our nation's leaders, it is crucial to dig deeper into their stories, unraveling the fascinating truths that shape our understanding of history. George Washington's legacy goes beyond the history books, encompassing both the extraordinary and the ordinary aspects of his life, ultimately humanizing the great leader he was.

George Washington Was A Badass: Crazy But True Stories About The United States’ First President

by Bill O'Neill (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2359 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	135 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

American history has been shaped and molded by a series of badasses who sometimes went against the system and made their own rules, which eventually became the rules for the rest of the country.

Many of these rebel badasses were writers, scientists, and athletes, who all contributed new ways of thinking, seeing, and doing things in the country, but there is little doubt who the first true badass was in American history—George Washington.

Unlike many of the countless biographies that have been written about Washington, this book takes a lighthearted approach to what made George such a badass, beginning with his life on the plantation in Virginia in the early 1700s and ending with the legacy he left that can be literally seen from coast to coast, everyday.

In George Washington Was A Badass: Crazy But True Stories About The United States’ First President, you’ll learn about how some of the following events, people, and ideas that contributed to making Washington the archetypal badass American president and be able to answer the following questions:

• What type of education did Washington have and how did that contribute to him becoming a badass?
• In what war did Washington gain his first military experience?
• How did Washington organize Americans at the start of the American Revolution?
• What were some of the failures and challenges Washington faced and overcame during the American Revolution?
• Why was Washington’s choice to use spies during the war a good one?
• How popular was Washington as president?
• What were Washington’s views on slavery and race?
• Why was Washington’s “Farwell Address” so important?

And so much more!

This book is chalked full of fascinating and inspiring facts and anecdotes about America’s first president, and many would argue the most important president.

Far more than just another boring history book, this down-to-Earth read (just as Washington would’ve wanted it) is guaranteed to keep you reading page after page.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy this riveting book about America’s first badass president.