Today in History: George Washington Dies


Today in History–December 14–the Library of Congress features George Washington, who died on this date in 1799 at his Mount Vernon home. Learn more about our nation’s first president (1789-97) by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more stories and primary sources about the death of this founding father.

George Washington Died at His Mount Vernon Home December 14, 1799 from America’s Library

Life of George Washington The Christian death 1853 painting

Proposals for Publishing an History of the Life of the Illustrious George Washington Gazette of the United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser (Philadelphia [Pa.]), 01 Jan. 1800

Presidential proclamation recommending public remembrance of George Washington Gazette of the United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser (Philadelphia [Pa.]), 08 Jan. 1800

“A Funeral elegy on the death of George Washington Adapted to the 22d of February” Jan. 1800

Remembering George Washington Gazette of the United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser (Philadelphia [Pa.]), 21 Feb. 1800

“A discourse, delivered at New-Haven, Feb. 22, 1800; on the character of George Washington, esq. at the request of the citizens”

1800 historical newspaper coverage of the death of George Washington

The Washingtoniana: containing a sketch of the life and death of the late Gen. George Washington; with a collection of elegant eulogies, orations, poems sacred to his memory 1802

Eulogy on George Washington 1867

A souvenir. Death and funeral of General George Washington 1872

Acrostical pen portraits of the eighteen presidents of the United States: Eulogies of the presidents, from George Washington to Ulysses S. Grant 1876

“Address to the Connecticut Society of Cincinnati on the death of George Washington” 1885

Washington. The hero and statesman. Eulogy. 1888

“Memorial meeting on the centennial anniversary of the death of George Washington” December 14, 1899

“Memorial service commemorating the 100th anniversary of the death of George Washington. Church of the Epiphany” December 14, 1899

“Observance of centennial anniversary of death of George Washington” 1900?

An eulogy on the death of George Washington 1920

More George Washington primary sources & teaching resources