A Brief History of Campaign Songs

While nothing resembling a partisan election campaign was waged on behalf of George Washington, many lyrical tributes were composed to honor him and were used to rally the new country behind their new leader. One such example was God Save Great Washington — which, despite the Founding Fathers' skepticism of the British monarchy, was essentially the anthem God Save the King with Washington's name inserted wherever "King" used to be. The song dates to 1786, a full three years before Washington would be inaugurated as President. Talk about a long political season.

—By Claire Suddath