“Father, I Can Not Tell a Lie: I Cut the Tree,” engraving by John C. McRae, 1867.

Today we celebrate George Washington’s birthday.  We have all heard the story about George and the cherry tree, but did you know this is actually a myth?

When George was six years old he received a hatchet as a gift and damaged his father’s cherry tree. His dad was angry when he discovered what George had done and asked him about it. George bravely said, “I cannot tell a lie…I did cut it with my hatchet.” George’s father rejoiced that his son’s honesty was worth more than a thousand trees.¹