It is now difficult to understand the overwhelming presence and respect of George Washington among the public in the colonies and states during his life. The public started celebrating his birthday before there was any call to do so by a government body. Worse, his stances on divisive issues - especially slavery - have largely been victims of revisionist history. He is now nearly universally denigrated in colleges and universities.
I recommend to you the series of radio shows "First" - The Leadership of George Washington." Dave Zanotti, host of the show and author of a book with the same title, interviews Dr. William B. Allen, author of "George Washington: America's First Progressive."
https://thepublicsquare.com/first-the-leadership-of-george-washington-part-i-5/
The show may be listened to on the linked webpage or downloaded.