These epaulets were worn by future president George Washington to demonstrate his status in the military. They are made of gold bullion-thread tassels with gilt sequins and twisted bullion bows intermixed. They also have a strap of metallic yarn and a buff wool lining. Epaulets like these served as visual symbols of military rank, indicating order and authority within the Continental Army. For Washington, these decorative shoulder pieces were just one feature of military dress within a system of uniform regulations designed to project professionalism. These epaulets can be seen in portraits painted by American artist Charles Wilson Peale between 1779 and 1780. Washington served as the commander in chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. He served as president from April 30, 1789 until March 4, 1797.

This blue wool coat is part of a suit of regimentals made for President George Washington in 1789. It has a buff wool rise-and-fall collar, buff cuffs and lapels, and buff lining; there is a row of yellow metal buttons on each lapel, as well as on each cuff. The waistcoat and breeches are matching buff wool, with gilt buttons. This uniform was worn by President Washington from 1789 until his death in 1799. The small clothes, or breeches and waistcoat, date from the revolutionary period. Washington often posed for life portraits during this period, and was often depicted wearing this uniform. None of his uniforms from the Revolutionary War period are known to have survived. As the leader of the Continental Army, Washington wanted troops to present themselves as a professional military organization, and a proper uniform was one way of showing a unified front. In commemoration of Washington’s attention to detail, the colors of blue and buff remained the accepted pattern for United States Army uniforms until the beginning of the Civil War. Washington served as the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. He served as president from April 30, 1789 until March 4, 1797.

This oil on canvas portrait of President George Washington was painted by Gilbert Stuart around 1805, six years after the President’s death. This item was a gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Payson in memory of Pvt. Daniel Carroll Payson. Washington served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. He served as president from April 30, 1789 until March 4, 1797. The portrait was displayed in the Cabinet Room during the John F. Kennedy administration. Bates Littlehales photographed the portrait in May 1962 in the frame that housed the portrait at the time.

This oil on canvas portrait of President George Washington was painted by Gilbert Stuart around 1805, six years after the President’s death. This item was a gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Payson in memory of Pvt. Daniel Carroll Payson. Washington served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. He served as president from April 30, 1789 until March 4, 1797. The portrait was displayed in the Cabinet Room during the John F. Kennedy administration. Bates Littlehales photographed the portrait in May 1962 in the frame that housed the portrait at the time.