Why was the town of Cincinnati named after this man and what is his connection to America?

Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus: A Roman Model of Civic Duty

An Example of Civic Duty Followed by George Washington

In 458 B.C., with a Roman legion trapped by an invading army, the Senate called on Lucius Cincinnatus, a former senator who had retired to farm due to age and family issues. At 60, he was plowing his fields when messengers arrived, summoning him to don his toga and become absolute ruler of Rome. He raised an army, defeated the enemy in just 16 days, then immediately relinquished power and returned to his farm.

This happened again at age 80: granted absolute power, he crushed a rogue conspiracy in 21 days, then gave up authority once more. He later died in poverty on his farm, having once held power over the civilized world.

George Washington, when offered the chance to become America’s king, responded in the same spirit as Cincinnatus. The city of Cincinnati is named after this model of civic duty and honor. Valor is in you. Set it free.