George Washington and his first love, Mary Philipse
George Washington and his first love, Mary Philipse

The familiar portrait of the father of our country is of the model of virtue and resolve who could not tell a lie. But the author and WCBS-TV anchor Mary Calvi says her research uncovered details about the first love of George Washington’s life, the heiress Mary Philipse, one of the wealthiest women in the colonies, and how their relationship may not have ended once each of them was married to others. Jim Axelrod reports on the story behind Calvi’s historical novel, “Dear George, Dear Mary,” about the first president’s first love, and with famed Washington scholar historian Richard Brookhiser about the first president’s reputation.
Read the full article on CBS US
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article's factual accuracy is mixed. While it correctly identifies Mary Philipse as a wealthy heiress and a potential early love interest of George Washington, the claim that their relationship continued after their respective marriages is largely based on speculation and a historical novel. The article leans towards romanticizing the relationship, presenting a potentially biased view.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim:** George Washington had a first love, Mary Philipse.
- Verification Source #2: Supports this claim, stating Mary Calvi wrote about George Washington's first love, Mary Eliza Philipse.
- Verification Source #3: Supports this claim, identifying Mary Philipse as a "possible early love interest of George Washington."
- Verification Source #4: Supports this claim, stating the novel explores Washington's relationship with his first love, Mary Eliza Philipse.
- Claim:** Mary Philipse was one of the wealthiest women in the colonies.
- Verification Source #2: Supports this claim, stating Mary Eliza Philipse was one of the wealthiest women.
- Verification Source #3: Supports this claim, identifying her as a wealthy heiress.
- Verification Source #4: Supports this claim, referring to her as "the richest belle of Colonial America."
- Claim:** Their relationship may not have ended once each of them was married to others.
- This claim is not directly supported by any of the provided sources as a definitive fact. It is presented as a possibility explored in Mary Calvi's novel.
- Verification Source #1: Mentions the novel that inspired the topic, suggesting the claim is based on a fictionalized account.
- Claim:** The familiar portrait of George Washington is of the model of virtue and resolve who could not tell a lie.
- This is a generally accepted portrayal of George Washington. While not directly verifiable by the provided sources, it is common knowledge.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Agreement:** All sources agree that Mary Philipse was a wealthy heiress and a potential early love interest of George Washington. Verification Source #2, Verification Source #3, Verification Source #4.
- Lack of Coverage/Speculation:** The claim that their relationship continued after marriage is not definitively supported by any source and appears to be based on speculation and the premise of a historical novel. Verification Source #1 suggests this is a fictionalized account.
- Internal Knowledge:** The portrayal of George Washington as a model of virtue is common knowledge.