How George Washington set an example for SC as vaccinator-in-chief

By: Paul Hyde

Outlets: South Carolina Daily Gazette

Published: February 3, 2026

Words: 897

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 1 day ago

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In February 1777, Gen. George Washington faced a catastrophe.

His soldiers were dying. British muskets and bayonets were only part of the problem. The greater menace was disease — specifically smallpox, one of the deadliest scourges of the 18th century.

If Washington hoped to win independence for the colonies, he first had to keep his army alive.

The choice was clear. Washington ordered the mass inoculation of his troops against smallpox.

There was no time …

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