Presidents' Day: 7 myths about George Washington

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Monday, February 19, 2024

Throwing a silver coin across the Potomac

In this undated photo released by Professional Coin Grading Service, a George Washington dollar coin missing the edge inscription is shown. | AP/Professional Coin Grading Service

One legend meant to convey the superhuman strength of George Washington has claimed that the general and statesman once took a silver dollar threw it across the Potomac River.

However, in a list of myths about Washington, Mount Vernon labeled the story false, noting that the tale would have been implausible, though was likely based on a more feasible story.

“The Potomac River is over a mile wide at Mount Vernon, and even George Washington did not have the arm to fling a silver dollar that far,” noted the historic site, adding that “there were no silver dollars when Washington was a young man! The first silver dollar coin was minted in 1794.”

“His step-grandson, George Washington Parke Custis, recounts a story in which the General hurls a piece of slate across the Rappahannock River in Fredericksburg, Virginia. This would have been a more plausible feat, as the Rappahannock is much narrower than the Potomac.”