His Legacy Goes Beyond Wooden Teeth & Apple Trees

We all know George Washington was the first president of the United States, but there are many facts about this man's stupendous life and legacy that you might not know. At once an imposing military leader, a democratic trailblazer, and genius innovator, Washington was a complicated man with strong values and an unparalleled reputation. Here are 20 key facts you might not know about him.

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1. He Was Elected President Unanimously Both Terms

Apparently, George Washington was a popular guy. He won all 10 states in the first election, and all 15 in the second thanks to his stellar character, successes as a military leader, and influence over the creation of the constitution.

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2. He Tried To Free His Slaves

It's no secret that Washington owned a lot of slaves. However, by the end of his life, his opinions about slavery changed dramatically and in his will he asked for all his slaves to be freed upon his wife's death.

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3. He Was Self-Educated

Because Washington was left parentless at the age of 11, his formal education stopped at grade school. However, he was an avid reader and learned man with an insatiable curiosity. 

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4. He Was an Innovative Farmer

As a farmer, Washington constantly experimented with new tools, crops, fertilizers, and even animal breeding. He was also very adaptable, switching from tobacco to wheat as his main cash crop. 

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5. He Owned 50,000 Acres of Land

Washington owned over 50,000 acres of land in what is now West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Kentucky, and Ohio. With early ambitions as a surveyor, he also had a keen understanding of the land which helped him as a military leader and farmer.

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6. He Fought in The French & Indian War

Before leading the Continental Army in the revolutionary war, Washington had already earned his stripes fighting for the British in the French and Indian War, driving French forces from North American colonies. He was known for being an exceptionally brave soldier.

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7. He Refused a Third Term

He was so popular, many people wanted him to take on the presidency for a third time but he refused, stepping down after two. This set a precedent for those filling the seat after. 

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8. He Was A Proponent of Westward Expansion

During the French and Indian War, Washington journeyed across the Allegheny Mountains and returned with a vision of vast lands far beyond the mountains. This experience planted an idea of western expansion that was stronger than the other leaders of the revolution.

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9. He Was The First To Sign The Constitution

He was appointed unanimously to preside over the Constitutional Convention in which the American Constitution was drafted and put into effect. As such, he was given the privilege of being the first to sign the document.

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10. He Was Hesitant to Accept The Presidency

At first, he was reluctant to take on the presidency as it was his wish at that time to retire. However, his strong sense of patriotism and loyalty persuaded him to accept the position. 

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11. He Refused A Monarchy

At the time of drafting the constitution and deciding the ins and outs of leadership for this new country, there were calls for Washington to become king. He refused on the grounds of the republican and democratic principles he staunchly believed in.

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12. He Believed in Neutrality

Washington was an advocate for the USA's neutrality in foreign conflicts. In his "Neutrality Proclamation" of 1793, he stated his wish for the US to remain friendly but impartial to the foreign powers, much to the dismay of France and Britain who accused him of being a deserter.

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13. He Warned Against Political Parties

In his farewell address, Washington warned against the formation of political parties because he thought they would obstruct the execution of laws. His wish clearly didn't come to pass as he was the only American president to not be affiliated with a party.

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14. Created The Nation's First Spy Network

Washington created a spy ring called the Culper Ring who were active during the Revolutionary War. They operated successfully for five years, secretly tracking the movements of the British troops.

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15. He Believed in a Strong Central Government

Washington was instrumental in creating a federal government with authority over states. He believed that a lack of centralized power would result in anarchy and confusion.

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16. He Was an Animal Lover

He was known for being a dog lover and owning numerous dogs with creative names like Tipsy. He even experimented with breeding, creating a new type which he dubbed the American Foxhound.

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17. His Dentures Weren't Wooden

There's a popular myth that his dentures were made of wood. In fact, they were made from various materials including ivory, human teeth, and animal teeth. No wonder his mouth is always closed in his portraits!

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18. He Loved To Party

Although he's often imagined as a stoic, imposing figure, Washington was actually a very social man and a great dancer. There are various accounts of him partying at balls into the wee hours of the morning.

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19. He Supported Religious Freedom

Washington intended freedom of religion to apply to all, not just Christians. When questioned, he said that the only being American's owed an explanation of their beliefs to was God.

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20. He Dreamed of Creating a National University

Washington dreamed of creating a national university to help unify the states. Unfortunately, it never came to fruition, but it continues to be advocated for to this day.

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