George Washington Preplanned, and So Should You

Our first president left specific instructions for his memorial in his will. And Abraham Lincoln appeared to foresee his own death. Here are eight funeral-related facts about our favorite Aquarius statesmen.

No State Funeral, Please

After leaving office, George Washington returned to Mount Vernon and his beloved wife, Martha. He didn’t want a state funeral. Instead, he left instructions in his will for a military funeral at Mount Vernon for his family, friends, and associates. Although it was not an official event, over 4,000 mourners, including prominent military figures and politicians, attended. Washington’s careful preplanning ensured his final wishes were honored, just as yours can be today.

Did Washington’s Treatment Hasten His Demise?

In early December 1799, Washington was out riding and tending to his estate despite the cold and rain. He developed a severe throat infection. At the time, physicians practiced bloodletting, believing that blood carried harmful elements. Doctors removed more than 32 ounces of his blood before he passed away, a treatment now known to be detrimental.

Washington Feared Being Buried Alive

Despite his legendary bravery, Washington was terrified of being buried alive, a common fear in the 18th century. On his deathbed, he instructed his family not to place him in the vault until at least three days after his death, just to be sure.

Did Anyone Mention the Cherry Tree?

The story of young George Washington admitting to chopping down a cherry tree is likely apocryphal, first appearing in an early biography written by Mason Locke Weems. Still, it endures as a symbol of honesty. It's unknown whether anyone referenced the tale during his funeral or eulogy, but the fact that it remains part of his legend shows the power of a well-crafted tribute.

Lincoln’s Nightmare Came True

On April 12, 1865, Lincoln told his friend and biographer about a recurring dream in which he was assassinated. Three nights later, he said “Goodbye” to his bodyguard instead of his usual “Good night.” That evening, Lincoln was fatally shot by John Wilkes Booth while watching a play at Ford’s Theatre.

He Was One of the First Embalmed Americans

To preserve his body during the 1,700-mile journey to Springfield, Lincoln became one of the first high-profile Americans to be embalmed, a process that was still relatively new at the time. The success of Lincoln’s embalming helped popularize the practice nationwide, particularly during the Civil War era.

His Funeral Train Drew 1 Million Mourners

Lincoln’s funeral train took a circuitous route from Washington, D.C., to Springfield, Illinois. In over 400 cities and towns, about one million people viewed his open casket, sometimes at the rate of 12,000 mourners per hour. Ironically, Lincoln’s mahogany casket was carried into the new presidential railcar — his first and only ride in the luxurious cabin.

Father and Son Reunited for Eternity

Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd, had four sons. Only one, Robert, survived to adulthood. Their 11-year-old son, Willie, died of typhoid fever in 1862. Alongside the president’s casket, a smaller one held Willie’s remains, which had been moved from a Georgetown vault so father and son could be buried together in Springfield.

Be Like George: Make Your Wishes Known

George Washington knew what he wanted for his end-of-life plans: a military funeral without much fanfare and to be interred in a vault. He put his wishes into writing within his last will, most likely using a quill pen and ink.

Washington’s careful preplanning ensured his final wishes were honored, just as yours can be today with a prepaid cremation plan.

However, your funeral preplanning is a lot faster and simpler. Our care team is available 24/7 to help you complete your arrangements by phone or online. With Tulip, you never have to visit a funeral home to make arrangements or organize a memorial. Direct cremation offers many permanent placement options, whether in a family vault, columbarium, cremation garden, or memorial jewelry. 

Click here for a free, no-obligation quote, or call (844) 942-4909 to speak with our experienced care team.