George Washington is one of the most interesting Presidents in American history. Not because he was the first, but for the precedents he set and what he accomplished in his life time. To this day, George Washington is still revered and regarded as a model President for all those who follow.
Fact #1 - George Washington was the first President of the United States of America. After the end of the Revolutionary war, members of Washington’s army put forth a movement to make him King of the United States. Washington quickly rejected it.
Fact #2 - Washington is the only president who was elected unanimously and also the only president that did not live in the White House. The White House wasn’t built during his terms, however, Washington did oversee it’s plans and the plans of the Capitol. Washington lived in New York City and Philadelphia during his presidency.
Fact #3 - Five states were added to the Union during Washington’s presidency - North Carolina (1789), Rhode Island (1790), Vermont (1791), Kentucky (1792), and Tennesee (1796).
Fact #4 - Washington did his own bookkeeping and recorded every penny of expense or profit. His ledgers still exist today. You’d think he would have made a good account, but his professions (other then military general) were actually a planter and surveyor.
Fact #5 - After World War II, which saw the introduction of U.S. “5-star” officers who outranked Washington, both Congress and the President revisited the issue of Washington’s rank. To maintain George Washington’s proper position as the first Commanding General of the United States Army, he was appointed, posthumously, to the grade of General of the Armies of the United States
