George Washington helped introduce mules to America, and he knew exactly why they mattered.

Mules are a cross between a donkey and a horse, combining the strength and endurance of a donkey with the size and speed of a horse. 

After receiving a prized Spanish donkey from the king of Spain in the 1780s, Washington began breeding mules at Mount Vernon. He believed that mules were stronger, more sure-footed, less prone to disease, and could work longer hours on rough land while eating less. 

Washington actively promoted their use, loaned out his breeding stock, and encouraged other farmers to follow suit. His efforts helped make the mule a cornerstone of American agriculture for generations.