аÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û

10 Tragic Facts About George Washington’s Death

George Washington is widely respected in American culture. That phrase might seem extreme, yet his first biographer referred to him as “a hero and a demigod,” the Capitol Building features a painting of Washington ascending to Heaven, and a statue in the Capitol Building physically portrays Washington as the Greek god Zeus.

But, as a mortal man with flaws and vulnerabilities, Washington was no different from the rest of us. His life has been the subject of many legends and stories of hero worship but because he was no god, he eventually passed away.

Here are facts about George Washington’s Death

1. December 14, 1799, marked the passing of George Washington

George Washington passed away between ten and eleven at night on December 14, 1799. His wife, Martha Washington, who was sitting at the foot of the bed, his doctor and friend, Dr James Craik, and his personal secretary, Tobias Lear, were all there, as well as other members of his close circle.

2. George Washington passed away from a throat illness

Washington was out on horseback overseeing farm operations on December 12 when it started to snow. He went straight to eat after arriving home with his wet clothes. Washington’s throat hurt by the following morning. When his health declined, George Washington died of quinsy late on December 14, 1799.

3. Washington gave rules about how he should be buried

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

George Washington’s final chats with his secretary, Tobias Lear, were about his funeral plans. “Have me properly buried, and do not allow my remains to be placed in the vault within three days of my passing.” In the 18th century, people feared passing away too soon. Washington questioned Tobias Lear, who reportedly bowed in agreement, “Do you understand?” Washington said his final words after verbal assurance that his final requests would be carried out: “Tis well.”

4. He wrote his own will

Washington drafted two wills just a few months before he passed away. Later, on the night before he passed away, Washington asked his wife to bring him both copies. Washington looked over them and ordered one to be burned.

5. Four ministers spoke at George Washington’s funeral

At George Washington’s funeral, four preachers who had different ties to the president each gave eulogies. The following clergymen delivered sermons during Washington’s funeral: Reverend Mr. Thomas Davis, Reverend Dr. James Muir, Reverend Mr. William Moffatt (Maffatt), and Reverend Mr. Walter Dulany Addison.

6. His slaves were freed on January 1, 1801

With the burial of Martha Washington, George Washington stated in his will that all of the slaves he owned should be freed. In Mount Vernon in 1799, there were 317 slaves; 123 of them belonged to Washington. Waiting until she passed away was not an option for Martha Washington. They were released on January 1, 1801, after she authorised a deed of cession for Washington’s slaves.

7. Washingtons are buried in the New Tomb at Mount Vernon

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In his will, George Washington requested that Martha Washington and himself be buried inside a new tomb that would replace the Mount Vernon cemetery’s current tomb.

8. President John Adams declared a period of mourning

You have to remember that when George died America was still a young country that was still developing, so their first president’s death was a big blow.

His death was clearly a reminder to other presidents to come that their time would also end at some point and the fact that he was a nobleman also helped. President John Adams knew the impact Washington’s death would have on the country and declared a time of mourning as a sign of respect.

9. The common practice of bloodletting was used to try and save the president

Medicine has come a long way and we’re forever grateful to live in this era where we have access to knowledge and good doctors, but do you know who didn’t have that? George Washington!

The doctors in those days were fond of a medical procedure known as bloodletting, a procedure that was used to try to treat his illness in December 1799. The hope was to reestablish balance in his body by taking a lot of blood from the patient. Washington must have also suffered from the constant bloodletting which we all know now is one of the fastest ways to die. 

10. His close friend made a great speech about him

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee, a Revolutionary War hero and George Washington’s close friend, played a crucial role in protecting Washington’s memory after his death. At Washington’s funeral at Mount Vernon on December 18, 1799, Lee gave an emotional and heartfelt eulogy.

He described Washington as “first in combat, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his people” in his stirring speech, praising him as a statesman and military leader.

The new United States experienced a deep feeling of grief with the passing of George Washington, who symbolised the end of an era. His death left a void in the country’s leadership, and the country will always remember him as its founding father.