1

Self-Educated

Image: Wojciech Pacześ

George Washington’s father, died when he was just 11 years of age. There isn’t much information about his childhood and most of his virtues and qualities were invented by an admirer after he passed.

However, we do know one thing: George Washington was mostly self-educated since there was little money to support formal education.

Most of his knowledge and education came from his curiosity and eagerness to learn and become a better soldier, then farmer, and, in turn, president.

2

First Official Job

Image: Matt Briney

Since he lost his father at such an early age, Washington started working very young. His first official job was as a surveyor, which was a pretty respectable job for the 18th century. His aim in this job was to measure the land.

At the age of 16, he took on an expedition across Virginia’s western frontier in order to map the land. This experience provided him with a deep understanding of the land, the resources, and the insight he would later need in his political and military career.

3

His Only Trip Off the Mainland

Image: Tom Jur

At the age of 19, George Washington accepted going on a trip to the tropics with his half-brother Lawrence who was suffering from tuberculosis.

Now, during this trip, Washington kept a diary in which he narrated his days on the ship and the island of Barbados, confessing being struck by the beauty of the place. The trip went South shortly after his arrival: On the island, he contracted smallpox, a dreaded disease during the 18th century.

Curious enough and dreadful as it was, this gave him immunity which ultimately saved him from death during the Revolutionary War, since smallpox rapidly spread across his army.

4

Agriculture Innovator

Image: Raphael Rychetsky

It is no surprise that Washington was an innovator, a forward-thinking kind of person. Besides politics and, as we learned, whiskey, he was also interested in technology.

In the 1760s, he went from growing tobacco to cultivating wheat, which revolutionized the farming practices in his estate. He experimented with crops, fertilizers, and tools to improve productivity.

He didn’t keep innovations for himself: As a president, he patented Oliver Evans’s automated mill technology, and he designed a 16-sided, two-story threshing barn that enhanced the efficiency of wheat processing.

5

Never Lived in Washington, D.C.

Image: Edoardo Cuoghi

Washington is the only president to have never lived in the White House! He, together with his family, lived in different houses along New York and Philadephia where he used to receive members of Congress, officials, and people of the sort.

The Residence Act, which moved the capital from Philadelphia to a new city along the Potomac River (later named Washington, D.C.), actually set the White House as the official presidential residence.

6

Only President To Have a State

Image: Vlad Tchompalov

Have you ever noticed that there is no Lincoln State or Jefferson State? George Washington is the only U.S. President to have a state named after him .

As a Founding Father, the first President of the United States, Hamilton, Madison, and Jefferson thought it was necessary to pay homage to his great contributions by naming a state after him.

Together with the president’s name, the state of Washington is named Columbia, after the female personification of the country.

7

First To Sign The Consitution

Image: Anthony Garand

George Washington is a Founding Father, and we all know that. As such, he was deeply involved in the writing of the Articles of Confederation, the first frame of government.

He suggested changes and his voice was regarded in the highest esteem by his fellow countrymen. In this sense, he was chosen president of the Constitutional Convention which took four months and gave, as a result, the Constitution of the United States. In his role as president, Washington was given the privilege of signing the governing document first .

8

He Was a Natural Entertainer

Image: Adam Nemeroff

When you look at pictures of Washington, you may think he was unapproachable, stiff, and serious, but history tells us otherwise.

According to many accounts, he actually loved entertaining and welcoming guests, and having company. Parties, cotillions, balls, these kinds of events were a perfect opportunity to combine entertainment and dancing, which he also enjoyed. Did you know this?

9

Post-retirement Hobby

Image: Thomas Park

Of course, they are considered national heroes, but the Founding Fathers were people with diverse interests and pursuits. George Washington was not the exception and, after he retired he took up a most interesting hobby: whiskey.

Once he ended his life in politics, he built up a whiskey distillery where he created whiskey from rye, corn, and barley. Even if it began as a hobby, the distiller became one of the most productive in the nation and, by the time he died, it remained as one of the largest.

10

One-Dolar Bill Face

Image: Marek Studzinski

Washington’s portrait on the one-dollar bill was inspired by a painting created by Gilbert Stuart. Back in 1795, Stuart painted Washington, but this piece of work comes with a few curious facts.

The first one is that the work is known only from copies. The second is that the painting was so successful that Washington’s wife commissioned a second portrait for herself. However, the painter never finished the first commission and kept it as a reference for future work.

That incomplete painting, known as the "Athenaeum," served as the reference for creating the portrait on the dollar bill.

1

Long Island iced tea

Image: yeoul Shin

There are two theories about the origin of this cocktail, both rooted in Long Island , though not the sameLong Island!

One story claims it was born during the Prohibition era in a community named Long Island in Kingsport, Tennessee . Another, more recent, credits Robert "Rosebud" Butt with inventing the recipe in a 1972 contest held on Long Island, New York .

A daring choice for some, the iconic Long Island Iced Tea has a recipe with a long list of ingredients . To prepare it, you'll need tequila, light rum, vodka, triple sec, gin, and a splash of cola. Only the bravest dare to try it!

2

Martini

Image: Daniel Lloyd Blunk-Fernández

If you are one of those who loves a drink that's both strong and stylish , then the classic Martini is probably among your favorites. It is the choice of the sophisticated James Bond, who famously prefers his Martini "shaken, not stirred."

Traditionally made with gin and vermouth , and garnished with an olive or a lemon twist, the Martini has several variants, including the vodka Martini, which -as its name suggests- swaps gin for vodka.

While the origin of this classic is not entirely clear, most sources argue it comes from a drink called the Martinez , which had the same basic ingredients and was already being served in the mid-19th century at the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco, California.

3

Old Fashioned

Image: Nuff

Let's step back in time with the classic Old Fashioned ! This drink traces its roots back to the early 19th century right here in the United States.

Initially called "the whiskey cocktail," it was prepared much like it is today: mixing sugar with bitters and water, then adding whiskey or brandy. However, as the 19th century progressed, new ingredients like fruit juices, soda, or other liquors became part of many drinks. To stick to the original recipe and avoid these modern twists, people began ordering it as an "Old Fashioned."

The invention of this liquid delicacy is sometimes linked to The Pendennis, a gentlemen's club that opened in 1881 in Louisville, Kentucky . However, mentions of this delicious drink across the country long predate the club.

4

Mint julep

Image: Abby Boggier

Originally from the south of the United States and very popular, especially in Kentucky , there are mentions of this fresh cocktail as early as the 1770s!

It truly stood the test of time, and we understand why. With a base of bourbon , a hint of sugar, water, the classic crushed ice, and the essential fresh mint , it is a mix that's hard to resist.

Served traditionally in silver or pewter cups , this classic American drink is perfect for summer. However, the touch of bourbon can also be good for a cool winter day.

5

Manhattan

Image: OurWhisky Foundation

Remember the original Old Fashioned recipe? Well, let's spice it up. Take the whiskey cocktail and add a splash of sweet vermouth . That's it! Now you have a chic drink: the popular Manhattan .

The Manhattan cocktail has a fascinating origin myth , situated -of course- in NYC . Legend has it that this recipe was created in the 1870s , at the Manhattan Club for a banquet hosted by Winston Churchill's mother! However, historical records show that Lady Randolph Churchill was actually in Paris and pregnant with Winston at the time.

According to more reliable sources, the Manhattan cocktail was actually invented in the 1860s by a bartender named Black , who ran a bar near Houston Street in Manhattan.

6

Sazerac

Image: Bon Vivant

The classic Sazerac cocktail embodies the spirit of The Big Easy , where it was born in the mid-19th century.

The Sazerac we savor today is named after the Sazerac de Forge et Fils brand of Cognac brandy, from which this cocktail was first created. To make a Sazerac, absinthe, bitters, and sugar were combined with the brandy. Over time, rye whiskey replaced brandy in the modern recipe.

What sets the Sazerac apart, besides its Frenchy name, is its distinctive serving style . The ritual begins by rimming an old-fashioned glass with absinthe. Next, the drink is mixed with ice and strained into the prepared glass. Finally, a classic touch: a twist of lemon.

7

Mai Tai

Image: wu yi

While it might sound like the name of an ancient martial art, the Mai Tai is actually a delightful cocktail born in the United States of America.

More modern and with a tropical touch, the Mai Tai is a vibrant blend of rum , Curaçao liqueur, orgeat syrup, and lime juice. The year was 1944 when this balanced recipe was created by Victor J. Bergeron at his Trader Vic's restaurant in Oakland, California .

Apparently, the Mai Tai's name comes from the Thai expression "maitaʻi," which translates as "good," "excellent," or even "the best." So, if you haven't tried it yet, consider this your signal!

8

Tequila Sunrise

Image: Jamin Eyes

Named for its unmixed colors that mirror the beautiful moment when the sun rises, the Tequila Sunrise carries an intense blend: tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup .

The original recipe was a bit different. Between the 1930s and '40s , bartender Gene Sulit stirred up tequila with crème de cassis, lime juice, and soda water at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix. Some three decades later in Sausalito, California , Bobby Lozoff and Billy Rice made a change to the original recipe. They traded out the original last three ingredients for orange juice and grenadine, creating the present version.

In case you're wondering, yes, The Eagles' song was inspired by this drink!

9

The Ramos Gin Fizz

Image: The Humble Co.

And New Orleans is here again! With its festive spirit, this city also gave birth to another American cocktail: The Ramos Gin Fizz . This delightful recipe was born in 1888 , courtesy of Henry Charles "Carl" Ramos, owner of the Imperial Cabinet Saloon .

Originally called the " New Orleans Fizz ," it was an instant hit. But if you want to try making it at home, be prepared for a trip to the grocery store, as the recipe is a bit long . The mix for a perfect Ramos Gin Fizz includes gin, lemon juice, lime juice, egg whites, sugar, heavy cream, orange flower water, and soda water.

10

Cosmopolitan

Image: Laure Noverraz

Who hasn't heard of the iconic " Cosmo "? This delightful, sweet drink is a blend of vodka , Cointreau (a type of triple sec), cranberry juice, and a splash of sweetened lime juice. It is served in a chic martini glass and often garnished with a lemon twist.

The origin of this drink is a subject of debate, with various reports suggesting its creation in different places across the country . Some stories trace it back to the 1970s in Provincetown, Massachusetts ; San Francisco, California ; or Minneapolis, Minnesota . Others claim it was born a bit later, in the mid-1980s , in the sunny state of Florida . The current recipe, however, has traces in the bustling city of New York.

Regardless of its birth city, this drink originated in our country and is part of American culture. Let's enjoy it!

1

Paris, France

Image: U.S. Department of State from United States, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The U.S. Embassy in Paris is the oldest American diplomatic mission in the world. Benjamin Franklin himself served as the first ambassador, back when the United States was fighting for independence. Today, the chancery building stands on the Place de la Concorde, a spot once used for public executions during the French Revolution. Few embassies can match this mix of American heritage and European history.

2

New Delhi, India

Image: Ash Carter, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Set on 28 acres in a district where nearly every corner is marked by a foreign flag, the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi feels more like a grand estate than a government office. The entrance alone impresses visitors with its broad fountain and big golden Great Seal of the United States.

When it first opened in the 1950s, the complex introduced many locals to the clean lines and bold simplicity of American modernist design. Decades later, the compound still carries that sense of mid-century optimism, standing as both a piece of architectural history and a stage for diplomacy.

3

London, United Kingdom

Image: Phil Lev

If James Bond had to hand-deliver a top-secret note to Uncle Sam, this is exactly where he’d go. Opened in 2018, the current building of the U.S. Embassy in London came with a price tag of about $1 billion—yes, billion with a "B." It spans nearly 12 acres along the River Thames, enough to be one of the most enviable addresses in town.

The sleek glass cube design doesn’t just reflect light, it sparkles as if auditioning for a starring role in a spy flick. Its gardens and public walkways also make it one of the few embassies in the world that feels just as welcoming as it does secure.

4

Brasília, Brazil

Image: mbastosbr

When Brazil built a new capital in 1960, the United States became the first nation to establish its embassy in the brand-new city of Brasília. The 12-acre compound took another decade to finish, but the wait was totally worth it.

Today, the building unfolds like a tropical retreat with lush courtyards, a marble facade, clusters of palms, and broad office space that seem to invite a slower pace. Inside, the Stars and Stripes waving overhead reminds you that this is less about vacation and more about international business, carried out in unmistakably American style.

5

Yerevan, Armenia

Image: Arina Dmitrieva

If embassies were given awards, the U.S. outpost in Yerevan would easily take home the trophy for "biggest backyard." Sprawled across 22 acres, it’s more park than office, with open lawns rolling out under the backdrop of Armenia’s rugged mountains.

Yet, the real deal is inside. The embassy serves as a gathering spot for locals, hosting cultural festivals, English-language programs, art exhibits, and workshops that make diplomacy accessible and engaging. With its airy design and community-centered vibe, it feels less like a fortress and more like an open invitation to join.

6

Ottawa, Canada

Image: Jane T D.

Right across the northern border, Canada hosts a striking U.S. Embassy right on Ottawa’s Sussex Drive. Spanning 138,000 square feet and completed in 1999, the building simply stands out. With its stainless-steel dome that gleams in the sunlight, it feels like a freshly minted coin.

Step inside and you’ll find an airy glass interior with open spaces, echoing the values of dialogue and solidarity. In a city lined with Gothic revival architecture, the U.S. Embassy rises as both a modern landmark and the stage where American diplomacy meets Canadian friendliness.

7

Tokyo, Japan

Image: Evgeny Tchebotarev

Set amid Tokyo’s frantic setting, the U.S. Embassy in Japan has stood its ground since the 1970s, quietly observing one of the world’s most dynamic capitals. Step outside its secure walls, and in just minutes you’re in the tranquil embrace of the Imperial Palace gardens, where koi ponds and ancient stone bridges feel worlds apart from the neon lights. Contrast is the essence of this post, rooted in a nation where skyscrapers rise beside shrines, and where diplomacy intertwines with both centuries-old heritage and cutting-edge modernity.

8

Canberra, Australia

Image: National Archives at College Park - Still Pictures, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Opened in 1963, the U.S. Embassy in Canberra feels like a time capsule from the golden age of mid-century design. With its grand dome and red-brick elegance modeled after Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, the building brings a piece of Virginia heritage halfway around the world.

Framed by tall eucalyptus trees and the crisp skies of Australia’s capital, it strikes a balance between old-world stateliness and natural charm. For many visitors, this government office is a symbol of American history and Australian hospitality.

9

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Image: here, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Known as Palacio Bosch, this embassy doesn’t look like an office building at all. Originally built in 1910 for one of Argentina’s wealthiest families, the mansion still carries a Belle Époque aura. With sweeping marble staircases, glittering chandeliers, and fancy salons full of gilded details, it feels like the set for The Great Gatsby .

Outside, the gardens stretch wide and elegant, providing the backdrop for countless receptions where formal diplomacy blends with the warmth of Argentine culture. Guests might hear live music drifting through the air, join in animated conversation, or even share a round of _mate_—a reminder that this embassy is as much a cultural meeting point as it is a place for politics.

10

Oslo, Norway

Image: Christoffer Engström

Though smaller in scale than others on this list, the U.S. Embassy in Oslo stands out with a design that mirrors the Norwegian landscape. Its facade pairs sleek glass walls with rugged stone, a blend that feels both contemporary and timeless.

In the summer, the building glimmers in the glow of endless daylight. Come winter, snow transforms its sharp lines into something out of a Nordic fairytale, with frosted rooftops and a quiet stillness in the air. More than just an office, this embassy feels woven into its setting—an architectural nod to Norway’s mix of modern design and deep connection to nature.

11

Mexico City, Mexico

Image: Oscar Reygo

In one of the world’s liveliest capitals, this embassy makes its mark with sheer scale: over 1.8 million square feet of workspace. That makes it one of the largest American embassies , almost a city within a city.

Beyond its size, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico plays a central role in cultural exchanges and international cooperation, making it as vital to daily life as the bustling neighborhoods that surround it.

12

Singapore

Image: Mark Stoop

Nestled among orchids, palms, and flowering shrubs, the U.S. Embassy in Singapore feels more like a tropical retreat than an office. Its wide, low-slung profile is designed to stay cool in the humid climate, blending seamlessly into the greenery. Just like in the rest of the city, architecture and nature work in harmony, offering a daily reminder that diplomacy can grow strong roots in even the warmest of places.