Welcome to Ben Franklin's World,

podcast about Early American History with Liz Covert.

The study of history is key to understanding who we are and how we can affect the better future.

Ben Franklin's world will introduce you to historical people and events that have impacted

and shaped our present day world.

And now here's your host, Liz Koval.

Hello and welcome to episode 91 of Ben Franklin's world.

The podcast dedicated to helping you,

learn more about how the people and events of our early American past have shaped

the present day world we live in.

Did you know that George Washington's favorite drink was whiskey?

Actually that's a lie, a rumor.

According to Mount Vernon, Washington loved Madeira,

a fortified Portuguese wine made on the island of Madeira.

But if you know a bit about Washington,

you know that my suggestion that his favorite drink was whiskey is plausible, because Washington operated an expansive distillery at Mount Vernon.

So why did I begin today's historical exploration with a bit of false information?

Because today we're going to explore rumors, legends, and hoaxes that circulated throughout

early America.

Gregory Dowd, a professor of history and American culture at the University of Michigan,

will serve as our guide.

During our investigation, Greg reveals why men and women created rumors, legends, and hoaxes, and how this false information circulated throughout early America,

...