George Washington became the first U.S. president through his inauguration on April 30, 1789.
The ceremony took place on the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City, then the nation’s capital. Chancellor Robert Livingston of New York administered the presidential oath, while John Adams had already become vice president several days earlier.
Washington had been elected unanimously by the Electoral College in the first presidential election under the new Constitution. Congress had originally set March 4 as the start of the new government, but travel difficulties and delays prevented the legislature from reaching a quorum until April.
Washington’s inauguration established a precedent for the peaceful transfer of executive authority under the Constitution. He served two terms, from 1789 to 1797, and was succeeded by John Adams. The ceremony is distinct from Washington’s earlier role as commander of the Continental Army and president of the Constitutional Convention.