I love the Washington and Jefferson Memorials and saw this picture taken at night that shows both of them and had to post it.

 

Here four facts about Washington’s Presidency that make is unique compared to other presidents:

1. Washington is the only president to have been unanimously elected by the Electoral College.
2. Washington was the only president inaugurated in two cities. However, neither of those cities was Washington, D.C., as the seat of government did not move there until 1800. Washington’s first inauguration occurred in New York City on the portico of Federal Hall in Lower Manhattan on April 30, 1789. The second inauguration was in Philadelphia, held in the Senate Chamber of Congress Hall on March 4, 1793.
3. George Washington was strapped for cash during his presidency. Washington was frequently short on cash, with much of his wealth tied up in land holdings. In order to afford the move to New York City to become president, Washington borrowed £600 on a promissory note to cover his relocation expenses for the move from Mount Vernon to the presidential household at 3 Cherry Street in Manhattan. Washington explained that the situation forced him “to do what I never expected to be driven to, that is, to borrow money on Interest.”
4. The first Thanksgiving Proclamation was issued by President Washington

 

Here four facts about Thomas Jefferson’s Presidency that make is unique compared to other presidents:

1. Made the Louisiana Purchase (1803). In 1803 as President of the United States, Jefferson purchased more than 800,000 square miles of Louisiana Territory from France for about $15 million, effectively doubling the size of the United States.
2. Launched the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804). Having just greatly increased the size of the United States, Jefferson wanted to explore both the new part of the country and the rest of the continent. He appointed as his personal secretary Meriwether Lewis, who then enlisted William Clark. They left on their journey in 1804 with the goals of learning more about the landscape and the Native American tribes, and of finding a water passage between the Mississippi River and the Pacific Ocean.
3. Participated in the founding of the Library of Congress (1815).
   James H. Billington, the current Librarian of Congress, wrote: “If ever a library had a single founder, Thomas Jefferson is the founder of the Library of Congress.” In 1815, Jefferson sold his personal library, consisting of almost 6,700 volumes, to the federal government for just under $24,000. These books formed the core collection of the Library of Congress.
4. Popularized macaroni and cheese in the United States. In his early career, Jefferson traveled in Europe and became enamored with its cuisine, especially pasta. He served macaroni and cheese to guests at Monticello and even drew plans for a macaroni machine. He has been referred to as a “Founding Foodie” and “America’s First Foodie,” and there is even a mac ‘n’ cheese recipe in his own handwriting.

 

Now after reading this blog you can impress your friends at 4th of July celebrations with what you know about these presidents!