PW Jeff's Blog

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FALSE

Many people have heard the story of George Washington and the cherry tree. George Washington got a new hatchet as a boy, and chopped his dad’s favorite cherry tree down. When his dad asked him if he did it, he said “I cannot tell a lie, father, you know I cannot tell a lie! I did cut it with my little hatchet.”

Although this is probably one of the most popular stories told kids when learning about him, it isn’t true. This story was invented by Washington’s biographer, Mason Weems to show his honesty. Although Washington was one honest guy, the story of his honesty isn’t honest. Ironic.

Image sources: Cherry tree: http://goo.gl/hYsHn

George Washington: http://goo.gl/ISmNF

Hatchet: http://goo.gl/m5lTT