I sometimes wonder how our history might have played out if the colonists landed on the West Coast instead of the East. One thing that could have happened is that George Washington would have settled in Lake Oswego. Here’s why.

1. He was an excellent horseman. Thomas Jefferson called Washington “the best horseman of his age,” and he was known to sometimes clock in 60 miles on horseback while he was making his rounds. As his Realtor, I would have pointed out that the Lake Oswego Hunt Club is the Portland area’s only urban equestrian facility. It offers an historic open truss indoor arena, outdoor arenas, a polo field, ¼ mile galloping track, cross country and show jumps, and miles of trails along Iron Mountain.
2. Word has it he was an excellent dancer. Washington loved to hit the dance floor—rumor has it he was the first to kick off the Birthnight Balls held in his honor and one of the last to take off his dancing shoes. I’d be sure to point out Step It Up Studios right in downtown Lake Oswego. As a member he could take individual and group lessons and take part in social events like a New Year’s Eve gala.
3. Washington was a theater lover. Our first president enjoyed live theater and would often purchase tickets for his friends to join. His writings were filled with references to Shakespeare as he not only took theater for its entertainment value but also for the lessons it conveyed. One of our stops on the real estate tour would be the Lakewood Center for the Arts, home of the Lakewood Theatre Company. He could catch the last performance of The Seven Wonders of Ballyknock today or plan to catch the side door performance of What Makes Sammy Run next weekend.
4. He valued education. Although Washington’s own schooling was cut short due to the death of his father when he was a child, he made sure his wife’s children and grandchildren were educated and paid for the children of his siblings and friends to go to school. He also bequeathed money to a couple schools when he passed away. I’d be sure to point out to him the strong reputation that the Lake Oswego School District has, including the face that Lake Oswego remains the only school district in Oregon that has had all its schools receive the state’s highest rating—and seven years in a row, at that.
5. He loved a beautiful location. I’ve been to Mount Vernon where Washington lived. Situated on the banks of the Potomac River, it’s an incredibly scenic place. Give Washington a guided boat tour of Lake Oswego, and I’m sure he’d agree that there are few more picturesque spots in the country. If he wanted a view, I could show him waterfront property, Willamette River view spots as well as homes that look out at Mt. Hood.

So you see—George could have his horses, ballroom dancing, theater and good schools all within a short ride from his home with a view. Happy President’s Day!

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Photo credit: Image courtesy of Keerati at freedigitalphotos.net.