George Washington is a name that is synonymous with the foundation of the United States. He was a man of many talents and virtues, and much has been written about his life. Despite this, there are still a few surprising things that even the most avid Washington enthusiast may not know.
Here are five little-known facts about George Washington that you need to know now:
1. George Washington’s favorite hobby was fox hunting
Many people know that Washington was an accomplished military leader and politician, but few know that he had quite the affinity for fox hunting. He kept a pack of foxhounds at Mount Vernon and would often invite his friends to come and hunt with him. It was a way for him to relax and enjoy his time away from the pressures of public life.
2. Washington was nearly 6 feet tall
Washington was known for his commanding presence and physical stature. He stood at approximately 6 feet tall, which was quite tall for the time period. This helped him to stand out and command respect from his peers and subordinates.
3. Washington was an early proponent of the modern American whiskey industry
Most people don’t know that Washington was one of the earliest and most successful commercial distillers in America. He built a distillery at Mount Vernon in 1797 and produced a large quantity of whiskey. This helped to establish the American whiskey industry and helped to stem the flow of British imports.
4. Washington was a successful farmer
Washington was known for his love of agriculture and was one of America’s most successful farmers. He practiced advanced farming techniques and had a keen understanding of soil management and crop rotation. He was a proponent of diversification of crops and livestock and experimented with many different crops to find the ones that would grow best in the American climate.
5. Washington suffered from dental problems throughout his life
Despite his robust appearance, Washington had a number of health issues throughout his life, including terrible dental problems. By the time he became president, he had only one natural tooth left. He had to wear dentures made from various materials, including human teeth, animal teeth, and even ivory.
In conclusion, George Washington was a complex and fascinating figure in American history. These little-known facts only scratch the surface of his life and achievements. From his love of fox hunting to his success as a farmer and his struggles with dental issues, Washington’s life was full of surprises.
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