22 Interesting facts about George Washington

Some argue that George Washington was NOT the first U.S. president – having in their mind John Hanson. Tweet This

George Washington was the only president to be elected unanimously by the Electoral College. Twice. Tweet This

Since 1896, the Senate commemorates Washington’s birthday with an annual reading aloud of the full text of his Farewell Address, by a selected sitting Senator. Tweet This

George Washington set a record by pronouncing his inaugural address in less than 2 minutes. Tweet This

Washington was inaugurated in two different cities: New York City and Philadelphia. Tweet This

He was a rich man – his assets would amount today to more than $500 million. Tweet This

George Washington did not retire definitely. In 1798, he came out of retirement when a war with France was a possibility. Tweet This

5 new states joined during Washington’s Presidency. Tweet This

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George Washington introduced the cabinet of advisors. Tweet This

First copyright law was enacted during his Presidency. Tweet This

Washington established a 6-member Supreme Court and the position of Attorney General. Tweet This

The dollar became an official currency at that period. Tweet This

The President established rules to be followed in granting national citizenship. Tweet This

George Washington created the United States Navy. Tweet This

In 1793, George Washington endorsed the Fugitive Slave Act, making it a federal crime to assist a runaway slave. Tweet This

Washington himself had 800 slaves and established a system that would ensure returning of escaped slaves to their masters. Tweet This

George Washington had to surrender once during a battle. Tweet This

It’s not widely known that he agreed to pay an annual tribute to the Pasha of Tripoli in exchange for safe access to Mediterranean shipping lanes. Tweet This

Like other farmers, Washington grew hemp as a cash crop, but it wasn’t smoked for pleasure. Tweet This

Washington did not have own children and unfortunately lost two stepchildren. Tweet This

He bred hound dogs and loved them like members of the family. Tweet This

Toothaches tortured George Washington for many years. At age of 57, he had all his teeth extracted. Tweet This