Separate fact from fiction and learn more about the real George Washington.

First American president, commander of the Continental Army, president of the Constitutional Convention, and gentleman planter... learn more about the many varied roles that George Washington excelled in and tremendous legacy that he left for America and the World.

Key Facts

Athleticism

Athleticism

George Washington's physique and ambitions were tailor-made for his age—one in which displays of physical prowess were essential to recognition in society.

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Brother Washington, the Freemason

Brother Washington, the Freemason

Freemasonry played a role in George Washington's life from the age of 20 when he first became an Entered Apprentice in the Fredericksburg Lodge until the day he died, when a brother in his Alexandria lodge was one of three doctors at his bedside.

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Education

Education

While not formally educated like many of his contemporaries, Washington loved to read. By his death, he had more than 1,200 books in his library at Mount Vernon.

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House of Burgesses

House of Burgesses

The first time George Washington ran for public office, he lost. However, he won his second race and served in the Virginia House of Burgesses from 1758 until 1776. 

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Slavery

Slavery

Washington owned hundreds of enslaved men, women, and children. He depended on their labor to build and maintain his household and plantation.

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Dog Lover

Dog Lover

General Washington loved dogs! Learn more about canines on the Mount Vernon estate, yesterday and today.

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The Master Equestrian

The Master Equestrian

Prowess on horseback offered young George Washington his clearest path to fame. His long rides as a surveyor, through the forest on foxhunts, and his bayonet drills in the heat of the summer sun prepared him well for his eventual martial feats.

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America's First Celebrity

Ask Mount Vernon - Personal Life

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1:07

What Is George Washington's Middle Name?

6,365 views 4 years ago
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1:38

When is George Washington's Birthday?

7,946 views 5 years ago
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2:28

Did George Washington Have Good Handwriting?

9,079 views 5 years ago
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1:05

How Did George Washington Get So Rich?

2,825 views 4 years ago
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1:09

Did George Washington Have Any Friends?

10,170 views 5 years ago
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1:33

How Tall Was George Washington?

8,425 views 4 years ago
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1:07

How Did George Washington Die?

26,250 views 5 years ago
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1:12

The TRUTH About The Cherry Tree Myth

15,107 views 5 years ago
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1:03

What Was George Washington's Favorite Food?

8,350 views 4 years ago
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0:50

How Many Horses Did George Washington Have?

1,663 views 4 years ago
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1:21

What is George Washington's Favorite Animal?

2,782 views 4 years ago
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1:16

How Many Pets Did George Washington Have?

2,777 views 4 years ago
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2:00

Did George Washington Have A Bathroom?

67,472 views 5 years ago
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1:26

Did George Washington Have a Dog?

3,870 views 4 years ago
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1:24

What Was George Washington's Favorite Color?

12,667 views 5 years ago
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0:56

What was the FINAL Letter George Washington Wrote?

6,063 views 5 years ago
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2:06

Did George Washington Use a Bath or Shower?

34,637 views 4 years ago
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1:38

What Did George Washington Eat?

18,320 views 4 years ago
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0:51

What Kind of Horses Did George Washington Own?

3,019 views 4 years ago

Mythology

Few figures in American history are surrounded by more well-intended mythology than George Washington.

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