If you thought the nation’s first President was born in Maryland, think again! President George Washington was born in Virginia, but his doppelganger, Drexel Truitt, was born in Wicomico County, Maryland.

John Flanagan, the designer of the quarter we carry in our pockets today, did not want to use old photos to chisel the former President’s likeness. He wanted a live model.

Enter Drexel Truitt who was born in Pittsville, Maryland, but had moved to Hollywood, California, in 1927 to pursue acting. Truitt played the role of George Washington many times in movies and on stage and bore such a resemblance to Washington that he was used as the model for the head on the 25-cent piece when it was issued in 1932.

Bonus Fun Fact: John Flanagan, born on April 4th, shares a birthday with a MACo staff member.

Do you have a fun fact to share about your county? If so, please send it to Allison Valliant to be featured in MACo’s weekly Fun Fact on Conduit Street.