The True Causes and Myths Surrounding George Washington’s Death

George Washington, the first President of the United States, died on December 14, 1799, at the age of 67. The circumstances surrounding his death have been a subject of much debate and conjecture over the years. From poisoning and assassination theories to modern medical research, numerous hypotheses have emerged. However, the most widely accepted and verified cause of his death is a severe throat infection.

The Medical Myths and Realities of George Washington’s Death

One of the most enduring myths surrounding the death of George Washington is that he was killed by his doctors. In early 1799, Washington was inspecting his land and suddenly fell ill. Over the next several days, his condition worsened despite multiple medical interventions. Back in the late 18th century, medical knowledge and practices were limited, and doctors often relied on outdated theories.

During George Washington’s final days, his doctors believed in the concept of the four humors—blood, yellow bile, black bile, and phlegm. They thought that an imbalance in these humors could lead to illness. The common medical practice at the time involved bloodletting to balance the body's humors. However, as Michael L. Sutton advised, these practices did not always work and sometimes could even weaken the body to the point of fatal illness.

According to historical records, Washington's doctors conducted bloodletting on him, draining 32 ounces of his blood. They also administered substances like molasses, vinegar, and butter to induce vomiting and diarrhea, thinking it would help “balance” his humors. Despite these treatments, Washington's condition deteriorated, and he ultimately died a few days later.

The Real Cause: Strep Throat

Medical research and historical analysis provide a clearer picture of the cause of George Washington's death. Contrary to the medical theories of his time, Washington died of a bacterial infection, specifically a strep throat. However, being well before the age of antibiotics, his doctors had no effective treatment for such an infection.

On December 12, 1799, George Washington spent a day outdoors in cold, wet weather, inspecting his plantation at Mount Vernon. He returned home and began to feel unwell. The next day, his symptoms worsened, and he developed a severe sore throat, difficulty breathing, and a cough. These symptoms aligned with a severe throat infection, such as acute epiglottitis (quinsy), which is a form of tonsillitis. Acute epiglottitis causes the epiglottis to swell, potentially obstructing the airway, a condition that can be fatal without intervention.

Despite the efforts of several doctors, Washington's condition continued to deteriorate. He died in the early hours of December 14, 1799. His passing was met with widespread mourning, and he was buried at Mount Vernon.

The Significance and Legacy of George Washington’s Death

George Washington’s death on December 14, 1799, marked the end of an era in American history. He was not only a central figure in the founding of the United States but also its first president. His death was a significant event, both for the nation and for the then-newly established medical practices.

Underlying the medical practices of those days was a lack of understanding of the true causes of many diseases. It was common practice to wait several days before declaring a person dead. This practice was also a way to avoid the potential burial of a still-living person. In Washington's case, the delay in declaring his death ensured that he received the necessary medical attention, even if it came too late.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while George Washington’s death was the subject of various theories and speculations, the most accurate explanation based on historical and medical evidence points to a severe throat infection. His death, though tragic, marked a significant moment in American history and highlighted the evolving nature of medical practice and understanding.

References:

1. - George Washington's Throat Infection Led to His Death