The West Front of Mount Vernon, attributed to Edward Savage, ca. 1787–1792
As head of household, plantation owner, businessman, Revolutionary War general, and president, George Washington had many different concerns and responsibilities, from running his estate to ensuring the stability of a new nation. Alongside the traditional…
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Washington Taking Command of the American Army, 1876
On June 15, 1775, George Washington was unanimously selected as commander in chief of the Continental Army. Within weeks, he began making preventative health decisions about food storage, placement of latrines, disposal of animal carcasses, and general provisions for clothing…
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Washington the Planter, etching by Louis Conrad Rosenberg, 1932
In the foreground of this etching, with color added, the figure of George Washington stands in consultation with his overseer. Both men are wearing wide brimmed hats, Washington with a long blue coat and the overseer with a dark grey or brown coat. Behind Washington is his white…
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George Washington and Family, oil on canvas, Thomas Prichard Rossiter, 1858–1860
Washington came from a large family, which included five siblings and four half-siblings. Like many other families during the 18th century, the Washingtons were plagued by fits, fevers, and agues, as well as suffering the loss of cherished relatives due to the high mortality rates of the…
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George Washington by William Williams, 1794
George and Martha Washington were affected by their own medical issues over the years. Although he was never wounded in battle, Washington led an active life and was injured several times while horseback riding. He nearly died from a severe case of dysentery as a young…
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G. Washington in His Last Illness attended by Docrs. Craik and Brown, etching by an unidentified artist, early 19th century
By the end of the century, the first American medical schools were founded, quarantine hospitals were established to isolate and treat those with contagious diseases, and inoculation was known to be an effective treatment for smallpox. Yet the standard medical treatment…
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