THE OTHER SIDE OF HISTORY
From the Vaults: 10 Untold Stories of America's Founding Fathers
Image: John Trumbull
The Founding Fathers of the United States are often revered as almost godly figures who laid the groundwork for the birth of our nation —and for good reason! But, beneath the surface of their many laudable accomplishments, they were still human beings, with human passions and failings. From George Washington’s dental problems to the odd circumstances in which Gouverneur Morris lost his leg, this article gathers some of the lesser-known facts about the beloved founders of our nation.
Stay until the end to share these stories with our enlightened forefathers!
1
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson's Rivalry
Image: J. Amill Santiago
Despite their collaboration in drafting the Declaration of Independence, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson had a tumultuous relationship characterized by political disagreements and personal animosity. Most of their differences lay in how the government should be structured , as Adams was a staunch supporter of a strong central government, whereas Jefferson advocated for stronger local governments.
Fortunately, in their later years, they reconciled and exchanged a series of poignant letters, leaving behind a legacy of friendship. They even died on the same day , July 4, 1826, just hours apart from each other!
2
George Washington's Tooth Troubles
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Although he never had to wear wooden dentures—wood isn’t even the most practical material for making dentures— Washington did have many dental problems from an early age. He underwent numerous painful treatments, including having most of his original teeth pulled.
The myth regarding wooden dentures likely originated from the ivory teeth that were part of his dentures becoming stained after many years , resembling wood to observers.
3
John Hancock's Signature
Image: Clark Young
John Hancock's bold signature on the Declaration of Independence has become synonymous with the act of signing one's name. Legend has it that Hancock deliberately signed his name so prominently to ensure that "King George can read that without his spectacles." Quite a considerate fellow, wasn’t he?
While modern historians doubt that this was the actual reason he did it—suggesting instead that he might have simply been a flamboyant kind of guy —he undoubtedly left his mark on history with a dramatic touch.
4
Franklin and Lafayette Wrote A Book Together
Image: Brett Wharton
Benjamin Franklin and the Marquis de Lafayette shared a deep and enduring friendship rooted in their mutual commitment to the American cause. Lafayette's contributions to the Revolutionary War and his lifelong admiration for Franklin exemplify the enduring bonds forged during the nation's formative years.
However, less known is the fact that they were commissioned by Congress to collaborate on creating a children's schoolbook for use in American schools. They even went so far as to hire a Parisian artist to create illustrations for the book, although the project was never completed.
5
Thomas Jefferson's Architectural Legacy
Image: Richard Hedrick
Though not exactly a secret, Thomas Jefferson's architectural legacy is often overlooked when remembering his many achievements. Some of his architectural designs, including his masterpiece Monticello, showcase his innovative spirit and eclectic tastes.
Interestingly, his interest in architecture was rooted in his humanism and extended beyond aesthetics , reflecting his belief in the importance of classical principles and practical functionality.
6
Washington Never Chopped the Cherry Tree
Image: Don Kawahigashi
While a compelling tale regarding the first president’s personal character, the story of George Washington chopping down a cherry tree and confessing with the words "I cannot tell a lie" is pure myth.
The tale was completely fabricated by biographer Parson Weems to illustrate Washington's honesty. While the story is fiction, Washington's reputation for integrity remains well-earned. This does not apply to his biographer, though!
7
Jefferson Shipped a Dead Moose to Europe
Image: Shivam Kumar
In an effort to demonstrate the natural superiority of American soil and air—which some Europeans believed made people ill and crazy (yes, really)— Thomas Jefferson shipped a seven-foot-tall dead moose to France in 1787.
Yes, a dead moose on a weeks-long trip before refrigeration even existed. We don’t know if he successfully made his point with this bizarre stunt, but he certainly highlighted the lengths Americans like him were willing to go to assert their independence from colonial powers.
8
Gouverneur Morris Lost His Leg in Dubious Circumstances
Image: Henry Hintermeister, Public domain
Gouverneur Morris, a lesser-known but influential Founding Father, lost his leg in an incident shrouded in mystery. Officially, he claimed it was due to a carriage accident, but rumors suggest it might have resulted from a risky escapade involving a woman’s jealous husband.
Morris was a quite colorful character, and his injury only made him more so—having to wear a peg leg from then on. However, he remained a vigorous advocate for American independence and played a key role in drafting the Constitution.
9
Benjamin Franklin Did Not Graduate from School
Image: Adam Nir
Despite his immense contributions to science, politics, and literature, Benjamin Franklin never actually graduated from school. He ended his brief stint at formal education in the Boston Latin School at the age of ten due to the financial constraints of his family.
However, Franklin's self-education and insatiable curiosity propelled him to become one of the most accomplished polymaths in history , making significant contributions to the science of electricity and even coining terms like "battery," "positive charge," and "negative charge."
10
The Founding Fathers’ Fondness for Alcohol
Image: Thomas Thompson
The Founding Fathers were known for their fondness for alcohol, and drinking was a common part of their social and political lives. George Washington was famous for serving an abundance of alcohol at his Mount Vernon estate, including his own brewed beer and distilled whiskey.
Thomas Jefferson, another enthusiast, imported fine wines from France and even attempted to cultivate European grape varieties at Monticello. Benjamin Franklin, meanwhile, compiled a list of over 200 synonyms for being drunk , reflecting both his wit and the extent to which consumption of alcohol was an accepted part of the period’s society.
