Bill Riski, History Committee Chairperson, bill@riski.biz

You know he was born in February, but do you know where?  Colonial Beach, Westmoreland County, VA - about 30 miles southeast of Montclair, along the Potomac River.

You know his last name was Washington, but do you know his middle name? He had none.

You know his biographer Mason Locke Weems created the cherry tree legend in 1800, but do you know what Parson Weems claimed George actually said to his father? ”I can’t tell a lie, Pa; you know I can’t tell a lie. I did cut it with my hatchet.” George was supposedly six years old. This incident is universally believed to be a fabrication.

You know he had false teeth later in life, but do you know what material they were constructed from? Not wood. His multiple sets of dentures were made from hippopotamus and elephant ivory, gold, real human teeth and bits of horses and donkeys teeth.

You know he is eulogized as the Father of His Country and its First President, but do you know which political party he was a member of? None; he did not believe political parties of his day could serve the Country’s best interests.

You know he commanded the Continental Army during the American Revolution, but do you know when he became the highest-ranking military officer in U.S. history (i.e., General of the Armies of the United States?)  1976; yes, nearly two hundred years after his death.

His resignation as commander of the armies in 1783 is viewed by some as the greatest act in his life. Why? Because this humble act ran contrary to contemporary thinking and stunned aristocratic Europe. Contrast his actions with the brash military French officer who, just 20 years later, proclaimed himself Emperor - Napoleon.

You know he lived most of his adult life at Mount Vernon, but do you know where it got its name? George’s older half brother Lawrence inherited Little Hunting Creek plantation upon their father’s death. Lawrence later renamed it Mount Vernon, in honor of British Admiral Edward Vernon under whom he had served in the War of Jenkins’ Ear.