Presidents’ Day, officially Washington’s Birthday, in the United States, is a holiday (third Monday in February) popularly recognized as honoring George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, it is still officially called “Washington’s Birthday” by the federal government. Traditionally celebrated on February 22—Washington’s actual day of birth—the holiday became popularly known as Presidents’ Day after it was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers. The day is sometimes understood as a celebration of the birthdays and lives of all U.S. presidents.
To commemorate George Washington’s birthday, check out some fun facts about George Washington.
[bctt tweet=”7 Fun Facts About George Washington For #PresidentsDay” username=”JoscelynRC”]
1. George Washington was the first President of the United States of America.
He was sworn in on April 30, 1789 and served for two terms before he retired to his home in Virginia. He was beloved by the country and hoped that the values and principles that were the intention of the Founding Fathers would continue to be upheld throughout time.
2. George’s dislike of British rule originally stemmed from how it hampered his business.
The Washington’s were planters and liquor distributors and during that time, Britain placed a lot of restrictions and regulations on selling goods, farming, and business in the colonies in general. Those restrictions not only hurt George Washington’s business at Mt. Vernon, but it impacted his neighboring farmers and friends. As more restrictions were imposed, there was more dissent among the colonists and more determination to break free from British rule.
3. George Washington was a step-dad.
George married a lovely widow named Martha Dandridge Custis who had two children from her previous marriage. Although George and Martha never had children, by all accounts he treated his step-children as he would his own.
4. He loved his dogs.
In addition to his family and country, George also loved his dogs. He bred hound dogs or hunting dogs that he would take with him everywhere. We can guess that George Washington had a funny sense of humor, because he named his dogs things like Sweet Lips and Tartar.
5. George Washington was very tall for his time.
Today, a man who is 6 feet 2 inches tall is tall, but not terribly so. However, at 6’2” in the 1700s, George Washington towered over his fellow politicians.
6. He was the General of the Continental Army.
Even though he was the General of the Continental Army and ultimately tasked with defeating the British, George Washington would rather avoid conflict and fighting. In fact, his favorite tactic was to pester or annoy the British rather than fight them outright.
7. George Washington loved to dance.
Everyone wanted George to attend their ball or party and he rarely declined. He was known for being a terrific dance partner and was well-liked among his peers – especially his female dance partners!
Get more fun facts and learn more about our 1st President by visiting these websites:
whitehouse.gov/1600/presidents/georgewashington
beta.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/7-fun-facts-about-george-washington/
mountvernon.org/george-washington/key-facts/
biography.com/news/five-little-known-facts-about-george-washington-20748417
Happy Presidents’ Day!
