As the first president of the United States, George Washington created departments within the government, ensured that federal laws were obeyed, and adopted a unified currency that would be good in all states. He also helped plan a new capital for the nation that was named Washington in his honor. Many of his decisions became precedents that later presidents would follow, such as his decision to serve only two terms.

However, despite his popularity in history, there are a few fun facts you might not know about the “Father of His Country.”

Clothing was always important to George Washington. As the commander of Virginia's militia in the 1750s, Washington designed his soldiers' uniforms himself. The unit became known as "The Virginia Blues," a nickname arising from their color-coordinated outfits. Washington's earliest known fashion statement was a note he wrote during his late teens—a set of instructions to his tailor for altering a coat. The message ran more than 150 words in length.

Washington's biographers, and those contemporaries who actually knew him, describe Washington as an intense and passionate man who worked hard at keeping his feelings in check. During his early 20s, Washington found himself in a heated argument with a man known to history only as “a Virginia landowner and politician.” The dispute turned violent when the man knocked George to the floor with a stick. Though George was much taller and likely stronger than his assailant, he chose not to retaliate. Instead, he left the room, collected his thoughts, returned and apologized, even though the other man was at fault.

Declared a federal holiday by the government in 1885, George Washington’s Birthday has culturally morphed into “Presidents Day.” In 1968, the “Monday Holiday Law” was enacted by Congress to provide for uniform annual observances of public holidays. George Washington’s Birthday is recognized on the third Monday in February. Soon after the law was enacted in 1971, President Nixon referred to the holiday as “Presidents Day” in a speech. Ever since, popular culture has perpetuated that the holiday was designated also to honor Abraham Lincoln or presidential officeholders in general. Officially, however, the holiday has never changed its name from “Washington’s Birthday.”

The Manuscript Division has made available online the George Washington Papers, 1741-1799. This collection of 147,000 images includes letterbooks, military papers, financial papers and more.

In the “Meet Amazing Americans” section of America’s Story, Washington is the subject of many stories, including his life as a soldier, husband and president.

Search the Today in History Archive on “George Washington” to learn about more events in his life occurring on these dates: March 24, June 4, August 4, and December 23.