Which U.S. president is honored as the nation’s first in America250 history?

George Washington was the first president of the United States, making him a central figure in the history remembered by America250.

Washington served from April 30, 1789, to March 4, 1797. He was unanimously chosen by the Electoral College for both of his terms and established precedents for the new executive office, including voluntarily leaving after two terms.

Before becoming president, Washington commanded the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. His leadership connected the military struggle for independence with the later creation of a constitutional government. He also presided over the Constitutional Convention in 1787, although he did not write the Constitution.

Washington is sometimes called the “Father of His Country,” but that title is honorific rather than an official constitutional position. The first president was not John Adams, despite Adams becoming the first vice president and later the second president. Washington’s presidency began more than twelve years after the Declaration was adopted.