Fun with Maps ISSUE 2025-152

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (September 19, 2025) – In today’s edition of Fun with Maps, the first father of our nation bid farewell to the office of President of the United States in a public speech.                

“FRIENDS AND FELLOW CITIZENS”

On September 19, 1796, George Washington confirmed his desire to not seek a third term as President and to retire from public service when he delivered his Farewell Address.

Washington chose not to deliver the speech publicly, but to print it in newspapers around the country in order to reach more of its citizens.  The first paper to run the story was the Daily American Advertiser, a Philadelphia publication.

In his address, he urged Americans to support the newly developed Constitution and concentrate on common national interests rather than their political or regional differences.

Since 1893, the US Senate commemorates Washington’s birthday in February by selecting a member of its chamber to read the Farewell Address in its session.

Washinton was born in Virginia, hence here is 1855 map of the state by Colton.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.