This week, on Monday,
February 20th, we celebrated President’s Day in honor of Presidents
Lincoln and Washington. Actually, George
Washington’s birthday is February 22, and I thought it would be appropriate to
wish him a happy birthday today.
When I was a schoolgirl,
many years ago, I remember learning that: (1) George Washington couldn’t tell a
lie, he really did cut down that cherry tree. (2) George Washington had large
wooden false teeth. That was my picture of the first President of the United
States, when I was a little girl.
Today, of
course, I doubt he even had a cherry tree to cut down, and as for that great
big wooden tooth smile, I am pretty sure that wasn’t true. If you know
differently please let me know.
I did some research this
week and found some true facts I would like to pass on to you:
This great man was born in 1732 in Virginia, of
moderately well off parents. His
father died when George was eleven, and because of his father’s death he was
not able to go to England to Appleby School, as his older brothers had done.
Instead he had a variety of tutors and also spent some time at an Anglican
school. He received the equivalent of an
elementary school education. At age 15, his mother, upon learning how hard it
would be on him, kept him from receiving an appointment in the Royal Navy. At 17 he was appointed as the official
surveyor for Culpepper County in Virginia.
Upon his father’s death
his half-brother, Lawrence became, his surrogate father and role model, and
continued in that role until his death. Washington acquired his home at Mt. Vernon
when Lawrence died.
George Washington was six
feet tall and a born leader of men. He gained recognition and military
leadership skills during the French and Indian War. He later became a colonel
of the Virginia Regiment and Commander in Chief of the forces raised in defense
of the Virginia frontier. He married Martha Custis in 1759 and never had
children of his own, although he raised Martha’s two children from her previous
marriage.
From 1768 to 1775, George
Washington was a leader in the social elite in Virginia. For people not of his
social status his advice was to, “treat them civilly, but keep them at a proper
distance.”
In 1769, he became more
politically active. Then, of course, came the American Revolution in 1775, and
we all know his brave role and leadership in the war. George Washington became President of
the United States in 1789 and served two terms. Washington died in 1797.
On my first trip to
Washington D.C., I travelled down the Potomac River and saw his historic home,
Mount Vernon. It was a beautiful sight and I soon forgot about the cherry tree
and the wooden teeth.
Looking for more
information about George Washington and President’s Day? Then you’ll want to
read:
