There is probably no single figure in American history more revered, beloved, and idolized than George Washington (even Lincoln still has a vocal minority of Southern detractors). More than a man, the idea of Washington is held up like the stars and stripes or the bald eagle - in some ways he is more of a symbol of America than a historical figure.

Many history buffs know a thing or two about General Washington. The months of skirmishing during the Saratoga campaign, the iconic crossing of the Delaware on Christmas night, the decisive victory at Yorktown, and resigning his military commission before assuming the presidency.

However, it seems like the average American knows considerably less about what George Washington did during his time as president, when he defined the office and helped build our first government. Other than his decision to avoid political parties (arguably his first act in office) and his farewell speech (his last), I'm having a hard time thinking of notable instances from the eight years Washington spent as President of the United States (oh, and the fact that he lived at Mount Vernon because the President's House wasn't built yet).

American historians: What should we know about President Washington?