34 Interesting Facts About George Washington

21-25 George Washington Facts

21. George Washington was so afraid of being buried alive that he asked his staff to wait two days after his death to be buried. – Source

22. George Washington was surprised to discover the Chinese weren’t White. – Source

23. George Washington had to borrow money to travel to New York to be inaugurated as the first President. – Source

24. George Washington almost joined the Royal Navy (British Navy) but his mom took him out of it. – Source

25. The statue of George Washington in Trafalgar Square in London sits on imported soil from the US because Washington claimed ‘he would never again step foot on English soil’. – Source

26-30 George Washington Facts

26. In 1778 George Washington celebrated Independence day by giving his soldiers a double ration of rum. – Source

27. The original US Constitution set no term limits on the President. George Washington voluntarily retired from office after two terms, establishing an informal two-term limit. This custom lasted for nearly 150 years until FDR broke the tradition. – Source

28. George Washington is considered by most historians to have been a bad public speaker. – Source

29. After George Washington was elected president, no one knew what to call him. One senator suggested “Most Illustrious and Excellent President.” John Adams proposed “Your Most Benign Highness” and “His Highness, the President of the United States, and Protector of the Rights of the Same.” – Source

30. There exists a painting in the dome of the US Capitol Building that depicts George Washington literally ascending to heaven and becoming divine. – Source

31-34 George Washington Facts

31. “Town Destroyer” was a nickname given to George Washington by Iroquois Native Americans in 1753. – Source

32. George Washington refused to accept a salary while in office, and instead, simply asked to be reimbursed for his expenses at the end of the war. – Source

33. George Washington thought shaking hands was beneath a President and chose to bow instead. – Source

34. George Washington was almost killed by a British Sniper at the Battle of Brandywine – he was spared since he had his back turned to the marksman. – Source