December 14 in American History

December 14, 1799 — George Washington dies

The first president died at Mount Vernon at 67, after a brief throat illness. The man who could have been king and refused, twice, was eulogized as "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." The nation he'd fathered went into deep mourning for the leader who taught it how to let leaders go.

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Common Questions

What happened on December 14 in American history?

In 1799: George Washington dies. The first president died at Mount Vernon at 67, after a brief throat illness.

Why is December 14 significant?

The first president died at Mount Vernon at 67, after a brief throat illness. The man who could have been king and refused, twice, was eulogized as "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." The nation he'd fathered went into deep mourning for the leader who taught it how to let leaders go.

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