1. He Started His Mornings Before Sunrise
Washington believed in the power of routine, and that started with waking up before the sun, Áine Cain from Business Insider. He would rise around 4 a.m., long before most of his household, to enjoy a quiet start to the day. His mornings often began with reading or handling correspondence, ensuring he stayed on top of both personal and political matters. This discipline carried over from his military days, where early rising was a necessity rather than a choice.
Even before breakfast, he would often take a horseback ride around his plantation. He personally oversaw the workings of Mount Vernon, checking in on crops, livestock, and workers. These rides weren’t just about business—they were also his form of relaxation and exercise. His strong connection to the land shaped his views on agriculture, which he considered the backbone of the young nation.
2. He Had a Surprisingly Refined Taste for Interior Design
Despite his image as a no-nonsense military leader, Washington had a keen eye for home aesthetics, Dr. Joseph Manca explained to Mount Vernon. He and his wife, Martha, took great care in choosing furnishings, favoring a blend of elegance and practicality. He commissioned grand renovations to Mount Vernon, adding neoclassical details and elegant spaces designed to impress visitors. His appreciation for design was influenced by European styles, especially those popular in England.
One of the most striking rooms in his home was the “New Room,” a two-story space meant to showcase his success. It featured elaborate moldings, a high ceiling, and large windows that flooded the space with light. Washington wanted his home to reflect the dignity of a statesman, even in a rural setting. His attention to detail extended to everything from wallpaper to custom-made furniture, revealing a personal pride in his surroundings.
3. He Had a Soft Spot for His Dogs
Washington was an avid dog lover, and he owned several breeds, many of which he personally bred, Dr. Stanley Coren from Psychology Today shares. He had a particular fondness for hounds, which he used for fox hunting—a favorite pastime of his. Some of his dogs had amusing names, like “Sweet Lips,” “Drunkard,” and “Vulcan,” showing a playful side to the serious general. His care for his animals was well-documented, and he took pride in breeding dogs with strong hunting instincts.
Beyond their practical use, Washington’s dogs were his companions, and he treated them well. He ensured they were well-fed and even made notes about their health in his journals. During the Revolutionary War, he famously returned a lost dog to a British officer, proving that his respect for animals extended even to the enemy’s pets. This love for dogs offers a glimpse into Washington’s gentler, more compassionate side.
4. He Enjoyed Entertaining Guests with Lavish Dinners
Mount Vernon wasn’t just Washington’s home—it was a social hub where guests were frequently wined and dined, according to The Washington Library’s article in Mount Vernon. The Washingtons hosted visitors from all walks of life, from politicians and military leaders to friends and curious travelers. Meals at Mount Vernon were grand affairs, featuring multiple courses and fine tableware. Washington himself enjoyed simple meals, but he made sure his guests were treated to the best.
The dining table was often filled with fresh fish from the Potomac, meats from his own farm, and homegrown vegetables. Washington’s love of Madeira wine was well-known, and he often shared it with his guests. He also had a well-stocked wine cellar, showing that hospitality was an important part of his private life. These gatherings weren’t just about food—they were opportunities to exchange ideas and build relationships.
5. He Was Obsessed with Agricultural Innovation
Washington saw himself first and foremost as a farmer, and he was constantly experimenting with new techniques. He kept detailed records of crop yields, soil conditions, and weather patterns, trying to maximize the productivity of Mount Vernon. He shifted away from growing tobacco, recognizing its negative impact on soil health, and focused on wheat and other crops instead. This forward-thinking approach set him apart from many of his contemporaries.
He also invested in new farming equipment, including a revolutionary threshing barn designed to improve grain production. Washington believed that agriculture was the key to America’s success and wanted to lead by example. His diaries reveal a deep fascination with farming, often more so than politics. In many ways, Mount Vernon was his real passion project, a place where he could experiment and refine his agricultural ideals.
6. He Had an Elaborate Greenhouse for Exotic Plants
Not content with just farming crops, Washington also maintained a greenhouse filled with exotic plants. This structure allowed him to grow citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, which were rare in Virginia’s climate. He employed skilled gardeners to tend to these plants, ensuring they thrived year-round. The greenhouse was a sign of Washington’s curiosity about botany and his desire to bring a touch of the world to Mount Vernon.
Martha Washington used the greenhouse to cultivate medicinal herbs and flowers for the household. The structure was an impressive feature on the estate, demonstrating Washington’s willingness to invest in cutting-edge agricultural techniques. Unfortunately, the original greenhouse burned down in 1835, but its significance remains well-documented. It was just one more example of how Washington’s private world was filled with innovation and careful planning.
7. He Loved Horseback Riding More Than Almost Anything
Washington was an exceptional horseman, a skill that served him well both in battle and in daily life. He rode nearly every day, whether to inspect his estate or simply for the sheer enjoyment of it. His favorite horse was named Nelson, a trusted companion during the Revolutionary War. Even in retirement, he remained deeply connected to his horses and took pride in their care, Kitson Jazynka explains in The Washington Post.
He believed that a man’s ability to handle a horse reflected his discipline and character. His stables at Mount Vernon housed several fine horses, which he ensured were well-fed and groomed. Washington’s equestrian skills were admired by many, including foreign dignitaries who noted his grace in the saddle. His deep love of riding was one of the few personal indulgences he never gave up.
8. He Had a Private Study Where He Could Escape the World
Though Washington was constantly surrounded by people, he deeply valued his solitude. His private study at Mount Vernon was one of the few places where he could truly be alone. This small but comfortable room was filled with books, maps, and writing materials, allowing him to plan, reflect, and write letters. It was here that he made important decisions about his estate and, at times, the future of the nation.
Washington spent hours in this space, often starting his day by reading newspapers and responding to correspondence. He was a meticulous record-keeper, tracking everything from farm operations to personal finances. While he wasn’t known for being highly philosophical, he did enjoy reading works on government, history, and agriculture. This room was his retreat from the demands of leadership, a place where he could focus on his own thoughts.
9. He Had a Surprisingly Playful Side When Among Friends
Washington is often depicted as serious and reserved, but those close to him saw another side. In private settings, he enjoyed lighthearted conversation, storytelling, and even the occasional practical joke. He was known to tease his close friends and stepchildren, showing a warmth that the public rarely witnessed. At social gatherings, he could be an engaging host, laughing and sharing stories from his military days.
One famous anecdote describes him enthusiastically joining a dance at a party well into the night. He was a skilled dancer and saw it as both an art and a way to relax. While he upheld an air of dignity in formal settings, those closest to him knew he could be charming and personable. These moments reveal that Washington, despite his legendary status, still found joy in the simple pleasures of life.
10. He Relied on a Strictly Organized Daily Schedule
Washington believed that structure and discipline were essential, even in retirement. His days at Mount Vernon followed a precise routine, ensuring that every hour was used efficiently. Mornings were spent on business matters, afternoons on estate inspections or entertaining guests, and evenings in quiet reflection or conversation. This regimented approach was a habit from his military days and helped him maintain control over his vast responsibilities.
Even his meal times were fixed, with dinner usually served at exactly 3 p.m. He expected his household and visitors to follow his schedule, showing his belief in orderliness. Though he had stepped away from politics, he continued to receive and respond to letters from government officials. His disciplined lifestyle was a key part of what made him such an effective leader, even in his personal life.
11. He Was a Strong Believer in Personal Appearance and Hygiene
Despite living in an era when hygiene standards were quite different from today, Washington was meticulous about his appearance. He believed that cleanliness and well-groomed attire were signs of self-respect and discipline. He bathed regularly, brushed his teeth with a special paste, and paid close attention to his hair, which—contrary to popular belief—was his own, not a wig. His military background likely reinforced his appreciation for personal upkeep.
Washington also had a specific style, favoring finely tailored suits that reflected his status. Even in retirement, he dressed with care, ensuring that he always looked dignified when receiving visitors. His emphasis on presentation extended to his home, where he wanted guests to feel a sense of refinement and order. While he was never vain, he understood the power of appearance and carried himself with a quiet confidence.
12. He Struggled with His Health but Rarely Complained
Washington’s towering presence and military success made him seem invincible, but he battled several health issues throughout his life. He suffered from frequent fevers, digestive problems, and even bouts of malaria and smallpox. Later in life, he experienced chronic pain, likely due to the physical toll of years on horseback and harsh battlefield conditions. Despite this, he rarely spoke about his discomfort, preferring to push through his ailments with quiet resilience.
One of his greatest struggles was with his teeth—by the time he became president, he had only one natural tooth left. He wore painful, ill-fitting dentures made from a mix of human, animal, and ivory materials, which affected his speech and diet. His letters reveal that he disliked talking about his health, likely because he didn’t want to appear weak. Even in his final days, as he suffered from a severe throat infection, he faced his fate with characteristic stoicism.
