George Washington's final years

Through eight grueling years of the Revolutionary War, and another eight as the first President of the United States, George Washington was sustained by a dream, of the day he would return to Mount Vernon, his beloved plantation high above the Potomac River, where at 65 years old he aspired to a peaceful retirement as a farmer. But that's not quite how it turned out. His post-presidency was filled with controversy, intrigue, and personal torment. CBS News chief Washington correspondent Chip Reid visits Mount Vernon, and talks with Jonathan Horn, author of "Washington's End: The Final Years and Forgotten Struggle."

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[J.J.G]

Respect history, learn from history, don't change history and never erase it.

[stevend.bennett]

He spoke at two intervals before dying. The first, "I die hard, but I am not afraid to go." The second and last when the thought he might be buried while still alive made him stress to the doctor he not be interred for three days. "Do you understand?" The doctor said he did, which brought his last words, "'Tis well."

[adamchurvis]

I have the newspaper that announced his death and funeral in December, 1799, which includes a diagram of the Masonic Brothers who surrounded his casket. It's a fascinating piece of history.

[johnwilletts]

From U.K. In the centre of London in Trafalgar Square stands a statue of George Washington. On a hill overlooking my home town of Rotherham Yorkshire stands Boston Castle. This was built during the revolutionary war, to commentate the Boston Tea Party. Founding Father Thomas Payne visited Rotherham after the war. The support for the colonists and Patriot politics here in England is now almost forgotten.

[hlnbee]

I love Mount Vernon and lived near it for decades.

[paulsolon]

He wrote a tiny book, to himself, as a teenager.

You can buy it. 25 min read.

It’s about how to act in public, Basically it says be respectful to others. Always, esp in public settings. And never lose one’s sacred spark, your conscience.

[lilianalfr]

Wow, the things we take for granted.. medication for a sore throat. And, President Washington will never be forgotten.

[acdragonrider]

I don’t blame him for still being in love with sally. Who can really ever forget their first love?

[RedStickHistorian]

There would not be a United States, if not for Washington.

[wrestlingbrian]

The father of the United States Of America George Washington R.I.P.

[XHollisWood]

Great Leaders are human. Humans all have a story to tell.

[Snackyyz]

It’s always good to see there heroes and legends become humanized. He never really stopped loving someone even though he was a married man and contradicted his own words with actions. Very human traits.

[BORN-to-Run]

Everyone LOVES a good George Washington story.

[Fat]

Mr. Washington was a tough guy, under pressure , battles !!

[borood]

If it’s possible I think he may actually be underrated historically. He’s one of the greatest leaders the world has ever seen.

[shannon]

We should be grateful for George Washington and his vision of America. They were really brilliant with what they did to create the United States of America.

[Controversial_Celebrity_Quotes]

"Although he was just 66 years old"??? That was ancient back in the 1700's so I would have expected him to be plagued with health issues.

[dustinmichaels]

George Washington fought in the revolutionary war and was the first president
But his last words was tis well
What a badass

[rsattahip]

Washington's doctors drained half his blood when all he had was a throat infection. The story of his actual death and the quackery medical care he received is fascinating. Bleeding was common at the time, doctors were dangerous.

[nancyfreire]

Thank you for the history lesson. 🙋‍♀️