Mount Vernon, Virginia – George Washington’s death on December 14, 1799, after suffering a brief illness and losing about 40 percent of his blood remains a mystery that has intrigued medical experts for centuries.
The former president’s last 21 hours, during which his health rapidly deteriorated, continues to baffle researchers who have attempted to pinpoint the exact cause of his demise. His personal physician and a group of doctors at the time treated him with bloodletting, which involved removing large amounts of Washington’s blood in an attempt to cure him.
The most detailed firsthand account of Washington’s final days comes from his secretary, Tobias Lear, who described how the former president endured a miserable day riding around Mount Vernon and decided to stay in his wet clothes to make his dinner on time, despite the cold weather. That night, Washington became severely ill, complaining of difficulty breathing and sought multiple bloodlettings from his overseer and physicians.
Over the years, different theories have emerged attempting to explain Washington’s rapid decline and death. One theory proposed that Washington died from diphtheria, while another suggested that he suffered from “septic sore throat.” In more recent years, a theory positing that Washington had acute bacterial epiglottitis has gained traction.
Another point of contention is the methodology used to treat Washington, especially regarding the massive bloodletting and the potential benefits of a tracheotomy. Some experts argue that the outdated medical practice of bloodletting was not the main cause of Washington’s death, while others believe that a tracheotomy could have potentially saved his life.
In conclusion, George Washington’s death in 1799 after suffering a mysterious illness continues to intrigue medical experts. Despite various theories attempting to explain the cause of his death, the exact reason for his rapid decline remains unresolved, leaving his death a mystery.