4. George Washington and the dollar thrown across a river
There are many tales of George Washington which are part of American folklore, some of which having some basis in truth, while others are complete fabrications. The often told myth of the young man chopping down his father’s favorite cherry tree was apparently an invention of Parson Mason Locke Weems in the first published biography of the former president, but it is still retold and the image of the young child with an axe and an angry father still appears in the United States in February. Another often told story is of the president, demonstrating admirable strength, throwing a silver dollar across a river, either the Rappahannock at Ferry Farm or the Potomac, either at Alexandria or Mount Vernon.
The dollar story probably never happened, but the demonstration of arm strength did, in a slightly different manner. While Washington was in retirement a popular game among young men at Mount Vernon was the overhead throwing of a heavy iron bar, with the winner being he who threw the furthest. Young men were so engaged when Washington arrived, and according to the visitor he was showing the estate, dismounted, took the bar, and heaved it considerably further than any of the younger men had been able to manage, without even removing his coat. Washington thanked the young men for allowing him a toss, and with his visitor went on about his business.