In 1775, after the violence at Lexington and Concord, the second Continental Congress resolved that the colonies ought to be put in a position of defense, and the first practical step was the unanimous selection in June 15, 1775, of George Washington as commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the United Colonies. Refusing any salary and asking only the reimbursement of his expenses, Washington accepted the position, asking every gentleman in the room, however, to remember his declaration that he did not believe himself to be equal to the command, and that he accepted it only as a duty made imperative by the unanimity of the call.

In 1799, Washington's Distillery produced almost 11,000 gallons of whiskey, valued at $7,500 (approximately $120,000 today).

Washington's first inauguration as President of the United States was held on Thursday, April 30, 1789 on the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City.

The Conway Cabal, led by Brigadier General Thomas Conway, wanted to remove Washington as commander-in-chief and replace him with General Horatio Gates, who had won a decisive victory in the Battles of Saratoga.

The use of middle names was not a common practice in Europe or its colonies until the early 19th century. Of the first 20 United States presidents, only 5 had middle names.

At 6 feet, 2 inches tall and 200 pounds, Washington was one of our biggest presidents.

Lee's service during the American Revolution as a cavalry officer in the Continental Army earned him the nickname by which he is best known, "Light-Horse Harry". Lee was the father of Civil War-era Confederate general Robert E. Lee.