Old City in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

National Funeral For President Washington

Photographed By John Intile, May 27, 2011

1. National Funeral For President Washington Marker

Inscription. George Washington died on Dec. 14, 1799. Congress set Dec. 26 as a day of formal mourning in Philadelphia, the nation's capital from 1790 to 1800. The national funeral was in Zion Lutheran Church--located at this site, 1766-1870-- and among those attending was President John Adams. In his funeral oration, congressman Henry Lee spoke the famous tribute: “First in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen."

Erected 1999 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, the Former U.S. Presidents: #02 John Adams, and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1879.

Location. 39° 57.175′ N, 75° 8.793′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Old City. Marker is at the intersection of North 4th Street and Arch Street on North 4th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 125 N 4th St, Philadelphia PA 19106, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Keys To Community (within shouting distance of this marker); Kahal Kodosh Mikveh Israel

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(within shouting distance of this marker); History of the Philadelphia Fire Department Mural Project (within shouting distance of this marker); Philadelphia Conference (within shouting distance of this marker); Arch Street Meeting House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Arch Street Meeting House (within shouting distance of this marker); Benjamin Franklin (within shouting distance of this marker); About the Meeting House / A Master Builder / Arch Street Meeting House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.

Regarding National Funeral For President Washington. On Thursday, December 12th, 1799 Washington was inspecting his grounds on horseback in a freezing rain at his Mount Vernon estate in Virginia. The following morning, he awoke complaining of a severe sore throat and hoarseness which worsened as the day progressed. At approximately 3 AM Saturday, he awoke his wife Martha, telling her that he felt ill. Several eminent doctors were called who diagnosed Washington with "the quinsy"

The marker facing South-East. The construction behind the marker is modern. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By John Intile, May 27, 2011

2. The marker facing South-East. The construction behind the marker is modern.

(probably acute peritonsillar abscess or acute epiglottitis) and treated him by, among other remedies, "bleeding" which most likely only served to further weaken the former President. As the day progressed, Washington's breathing became extremely labored, most likely due to swelling of his epiglottis, and, despite his doctors' efforts, his condition rapidly deteriorated and his breathing became agonal until he finally expired at approximately 10 PM, Saturday Dec. 14th, 1799 at age 67. He was interred in a tomb at Mount Vernon on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 1799

Also see . . .
1. National Funeral For President Washington - Behind the Marker. ExplorePAHistory.com (Submitted on July 21, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)

2. George Washington at FindAGrave.com. (Submitted on July 21, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)

George Washington image. Click for full size.

Miniature by Robert Field via Wikipedia Commons, 1800

3. George Washington

Martha Washington herself commissioned painter Robert Field in 1800 to paint a group of miniatures as mementos for friends and family, to commemorate the revered General and President on the one-year anniversary of his death.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 27, 2011, by John Intile of Toms River, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,099 times since then and 74 times this year. Last updated on June 1, 2011, by John Intile of Toms River, New Jersey. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 27, 2011, by John Intile of Toms River, New Jersey. 3. submitted on December 13, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.