George Washington's Uncommon Demise

George Washington, the inaugural president of the United States, is one of the most recognized figures in American history. His life was marked by significant military and political involvement, yet he met his end in an odd and distressing manner. Washington passed away due to complications from a sore throat after enduring a series of questionable home remedies, including extensive bloodletting and a paste made from beetles.

Born into a wealthy Virginia plantation family that focused on tobacco cultivation and land investments, Washington was part of a household that owned numerous enslaved individuals. At one point, he personally owned around 300 slaves, amassing considerable wealth. He played a pivotal role in the founding of the United States, leading the Continental Army for eight years and later serving as president from 1789 to 1797.

On December 14, 1799, just two months before his 68th birthday, Washington's death was both sudden and surprising. Despite a life filled with challenges, including bouts of malaria, tuberculosis, and smallpox, he was a robust individual. His demise stemmed from a sore throat, specifically acute bacterial epiglottitis, which is the inflammation of the windpipe's covering, exacerbated by outdated and ineffective treatments.

Washington's last days were marked by a swift decline. On December 12, 1799, he spent hours riding his horse through a mixture of rain, sleet, and snow while attending to his estate at Mount Vernon. When he returned home for dinner, he joined his guests while still in his wet clothes to avoid being impolite.

Despite temperatures plummeting below freezing the following day, Washington continued his routine on horseback, only to find his sore throat worsening. By evening, he struggled to read the newspaper aloud to his wife, Martha, a nightly ritual he cherished.

The next morning, his condition deteriorated further, causing breathing difficulties. A series of doctors attempted various treatments, but these were largely unscientific and likely exacerbated his illness.

Bloodletting was a prevalent practice at the time, based on the misconception that it could cure disease. Over the following day, physicians drained approximately 80 ounces of blood from Washington—around 40% of his total blood volume.

In a misguided attempt to treat him, one doctor administered mercurous chloride (mercury) and tartar emetic, which resulted only in vomiting. Another physician applied a toxic tonic to Washington's throat, which failed to alleviate his discomfort and instead caused painful blisters.

The medical team approached Washington's throat with an aggressiveness reserved for enemy combatants. Among their dubious remedies were a paste made from dried beetles and a disgusting concoction of butter, molasses, and vinegar that nearly choked him due to his swallowing difficulties.

This video explores the historical context of George Washington's death, examining the strange practices of 18th-century medicine.