📜 A handful of new U.S. history explainers are giving George Washington a fresher, more down-to-earth look—how he built his early reputation and why the Siege of Boston became a turning point in the American Revolution’s opening chapter 123. They also focus on the leadership challenges he faced as he took command of the Continental Army outside Boston 123.
The pieces also take aim at one of America’s most persistent bits of folklore: Washington didn’t have wooden teeth. Instead, his dentures were made from a mix of other materials 123.
Sources
- How George Washington rose to prominence and became the stuff of myth [pbs.org] (2026-02-16)
- Yes, George Washington led the Siege of Boston. No, he didn’t have wooden teeth. [boston.com] (2026-02-16)
- No, George Washington didn't have wooden teeth. Yes, he led the Siege of Boston [abcnews.go.com] (2026-02-16)
Highlights
- Myth vs. reality: These pieces flatly debunk the long-running “wooden teeth” claim 123.
- What the dentures were made of: One account describes a set that used ivory and gold and even included human teeth—a reminder of how rough 18th-century dentistry could be 2.
- Where the Boston campaign fits: ABC points out Washington led the Siege of Boston more than a decade before he became the country’s first president 3.
- How legends take hold: PBS argues that Washington’s early rise helped turn him into a larger-than-life figure, creating the conditions for myths to grow around him 1.
Historical Background
George Washington served as commander in chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War and later became the first president of the United States [common]. The Siege of Boston took place early in the war and ended with the British evacuation of the city in March 1776 [common].