George Washington wasn’t just America’s first president. He was the original trendsetter, a role model, and, let’s be honest, he had a presidency full of quirks we’d never see today. From reluctant leader to national icon, Washington’s journey shaped the office as we know it. Here are 18 surprising facts that show just how unique his time in office really was.
1. Washington Had to Create the Job from Scratch
Imagine being the first ever in a role—no guidelines, no mentors, no former presidents to follow. That’s what Washington was up against. He knew every move he made would set the tone, so he crafted the presidency to be strong yet balanced, dignified yet approachable. He was setting an example for every future president, all while flying blind.
2. His Campaign Cost Zero Dollars
That’s right: zero. Washington didn’t make speeches, wave from campaign trails, or even rally for votes. His campaign was simply his reputation. His name was so respected that he didn’t have to do anything, and he still won the presidency—unanimously, no less.
3. He Didn’t Really Want the Job
Believe it or not, Washington wasn’t exactly thrilled about being president. After leading the nation through the Revolutionary War, he was hoping for a quiet retirement at his estate, Mount Vernon. But the country called, and Washington answered, reluctantly. For him, the presidency was a duty, not a goal.
Reason given by George washington for not wanting to become President
1. Old age
2. Washington’s “increasing fondness for agricultural amusements”
3. “My growing love of retirement”
4. Belief that the Anti-Federalists may oppose his selection
5. After having already retired in 1783, Washington feared he would be looked upon as inconsistent, rash, and ambitious if he returned to office
6. Belief that “some other person…could execute all the duties full as satisfactorily as myself.”
4. He Was Inaugurated in Two Different Cities
Washington has a pretty unique inauguration story. In 1789, he took the oath in New York City, then the capital. But by his second term in 1793, the capital had moved to Philadelphia, making him the only president ever inaugurated in two cities. This was all before the final move to Washington, D.C., so things were still a little… mobile.
5. Martha Washington Had an 11Day Inaugural Celebration
While George’s inaugural events lasted about eight days, Martha’s celebration stretched an impressive 11. Yes, that’s three more than her husband’s. Martha’s role as First Lady was groundbreaking, and this celebration set a high bar for the influence and visibility of future First Ladies.
6. The Crowds Were So Huge at His Inauguration That He Had to Walk Home
New York City was packed with people for Washington’s first inauguration in 1789. There were so many spectators that Washington couldn’t get back to his carriage, so he ended up walking home, likely with a trail of fans tagging along. Talk about a grand entrance.
7. His First Portrait as President Was Painted by a Former Loyalist
The first life portrait of President Washington was painted by Charles Willson Peale, who, fun fact, was once a Loyalist. Peale eventually embraced the new nation, and his painting of Washington became one of the era’s most iconic images.
8. His Inaugural Address Was Originally Over 70 Pages Long
Yep, Washington’s initial draft for his inaugural speech was a whopping 70 pages! Realizing that maybe less was more, he trimmed it down to a manageable 1,400 words. Still, it shows just how seriously he took his message to the new nation.
9. Washington’s Copy of the Acts of Congress Made Its Way Back to Mount Vernon in 2012
Washington owned a rare volume of the “Acts of Congress,” which included the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and other early laws. After his death, it was sold off, but in 2012, this piece of American history found its way back to Mount Vernon. It’s now part of the collection, connecting the modern Mount Vernon to Washington’s legacy.
10. He’s the Only President Unanimously Elected by the Electoral College
In both 1789 and 1792, Washington won every single electoral vote, a feat no other president has achieved. Twice. His popularity was unmatched, and it’s safe to say he was basically in a league of his own.
11. His “Election Day” Lasted Months
In 178889, there was no “Election Day” as we know it. Voting happened over several months, with states casting ballots at different times. This prolonged process eventually ended with Washington’s selection as president, but it’s a reminder of just how experimental early American elections were.
12. Washington Ran Unopposed
Washington’s path to the presidency was basically a solo journey. There was no opponent, no competition. He was so widely respected that everyone assumed he was the natural choice. Imagine a time when the idea of political competition didn’t even apply.
13. He Had to Take a Long, Celebratory Journey to the Capital
When Washington traveled from Mount Vernon to New York City for his first inauguration, it wasn’t a quick trip. The journey took more than a week, as every town he passed through had its own celebration waiting for him. By the time he arrived, his journey was practically a national parade.
14. Washington Wasn’t Part of Any Political Party—Ever
Washington didn’t trust political parties. He believed they would divide the nation and advised against them in his farewell address. Throughout his presidency, he remained nonpartisan, focusing instead on what he thought was best for the country as a whole. He’s still the only president to serve without a party affiliation.
15. His Inauguration Suit Was Pure American Pride
In a symbolic move, Washington wore a brown broadcloth suit made in America for his inauguration, rejecting European imports. This wasn’t just a fashion choice—it was a statement. He wanted to show that he believed in the nation’s potential to thrive on its own industries.
16. He Didn’t Want a Salary, but Congress Insisted
Congress offered Washington a $25,000 annual salary—a pretty substantial amount back then. Washington initially declined, wanting to serve as a civic duty. But Congress pushed back, arguing that a salary would ensure anyone, regardless of wealth, could serve in the office. Eventually, Washington accepted, creating a precedent for the role.
17. He Created the First Presidential Cabinet
Though the Constitution doesn’t mention a cabinet, Washington saw the need for advisors, and he assembled the first presidential cabinet. Figures like Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton joined him, setting a tradition that became central to every administration since.
18. Washington May Have Started the “So Help Me God” Tradition in the Oath of Office
There’s no record of “So help me God” in the Constitution’s oath, but according to legend, Washington added it at his first inauguration. It’s a powerful phrase that has become a standard ending for most presidential oaths since, showing how Washington’s small acts often had lasting impacts.
In a Nutshell
George Washington wasn’t just the country’s first president—he was the blueprint for everything that followed. From his style choices to his cabinet and even his thoughts on political parties, he shaped the office in a way no one else could. He built a presidency rooted in duty, humility, and an unwavering belief in the nation’s potential. Not bad for someone who didn’t even want the job!
