A Rhode Island apothecary created a series of 20 fragrances nearly three centuries ago, including one that became George Washington’s signature scent, known as Cologne Number Six. This fragrance features notes of citrus, lavender, and rosemary, with an undertone of musk, according to Margaret Newell, a professor of history at Ohio State University.
Washington’s Grooming Habits
Washington was known to be very particular about his personal hygiene and grooming. He washed frequently and was known to style his own hair, rather than wearing a wig, which was a common practice at the time. His decision to adopt a personal fragrance was a sign of his wealth and his desire to appear as a gentleman, Newell said.
The apothecary where Washington discovered his signature scent eventually evolved into the luxury fragrance brand Caswell Massey, which still sells the historic cologne today. According to Harry Kang, the company’s CEO, Washington was meeting with French officials during the Revolutionary War when he happened to enter the apothecary and took a liking to the fragrance.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
