Independence Day is a time for celebrating our Founding Fathers. Not only do we have them to thank for our basic American freedoms (not to mention the parades, BBQs and fireworks), but also there’s one who sets a great example when it comes to thinking about estate planning.

His name? George Washington.

He was America’s first President, a military hero and an agricultural pioneer (feel free to Google that last one.) Clearly, he achieved many great things in his lifetime. And when he passed, his will continued his legacy of accomplishment:

Securing a resting place.

While he has a burial vault at the U.S. Capitol, it is in fact empty. That’s because he wished to be buried at Mount Vernon. So he put it in his will. And, today, that’s where he rests.

Taking care of those close to him.

Washington set free approximately 124 of his slaves. And for decades, his estate paid for their care because he stipulated it in his will.

Giving charitably.

While he was not a college graduate, Washington was a believer in higher education so he made arrangements to donate money and stocks to three educational institutions.

So what about the wooden teeth?

According to the Mount Vernon estate website they were in fact a mix of cow’s teeth, hippopotamus ivory, Washington’s own, and metal and springs. And they made his mouth look funny. So, no, there’s no talk of teeth in his will.

While we certainly don’t recommend his melting pot of dental work, we do advocate Washington’s mixture of thinking when planning out a will. Happy Fourth of July!