On December 14, 1799, George Washington passed away in his home in Mount Vernon, Virginia. The famed former President died after a brief illness during which he lost around 40 percent of his blood. The mysterious cause of his death has long puzzled medical experts, with modern researchers proposing various potential reasons for his sudden decline.
Washington’s illness, as documented by his physicians, was not a likely cause of death according to contemporary accounts. Just two days before his death, Washington exhibited good health, riding around his estate in cold weather, and refusing to change out of his wet clothes. However, that very night, Washington fell seriously ill, experiencing extreme difficulty in breathing and speaking. His medical team proceeded to bleed him five times over an eight-hour period, resulting in a massive 40 percent blood loss.
Despite various medical interventions, including gargling with a mixture of molasses, vinegar, and butter, inhaling steam, and even receiving an enema, Washington’s condition continued to deteriorate. He passed away in the evening of December 14, leaving behind his final words and a series of unanswered questions about the nature of his illness and the factors contributing to his death.
Over the years, medical professionals have theorized different causes for Washington’s swift decline, ranging from croup to diphtheria. However, recent research suggests that acute bacterial epiglottitis might be the most probable diagnosis, aligning with the symptoms and course of Washington’s illness. Nevertheless, the exact cause of death remains subject to debate, with the role of bloodletting and the absence of a tracheotomy being prominent points of contention.
Despite the ongoing discussion, it is evident that George Washington’s death continues to captivate and intrigue experts who seek to unravel the mystery surrounding the passing of one of America’s most revered Founding Fathers.