George Washington died in his home at the age of 67.
Washington had spent most of the preceding day atop his horse in windy, wet and cold conditions directing work that was being done on his plantation. When he returned home, he left on his soaking wet clothes so as to not make Martha's dinner service late. He prided himself on being punctual.
Later that evening, Washington was beset by chills, a high fever, and a swollen, sore throat. A trio of doctors was summoned and could offer little useful care. During the final hours of his life, the doctors tried a variety of odd cures and remedies and "let blood" so many times that a total of 80 units were eventually drawn from his body. Ultimately, the efforts proved futile and Washington passed away surrounded by his wife, a few friends and workers, and the frustrated medical practitioners.
Born February 22, 1732, Washington was destined to become Commanding General of the Continental Army in the struggle to gain independence from British rule, the first President of the United States and one of a group of men, including notables such as Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, that would forever be known as The Founding Fathers. Washington had left office just 20 months prior to his death and had hoped to live out his days in retirement as a gentleman farmer.
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