George Washington became the first president of the United States, making him a central founding figure in America250 history.
Washington was elected unanimously by the Electoral College in the first presidential election, held in 1788–1789. He took the oath of office on April 30, 1789, at Federal Hall in New York City, then the nation’s capital. John Adams became vice president.
Before becoming president, Washington had commanded the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and had presided over the Constitutional Convention. His public reputation made him a unifying choice for the new federal government, which was still developing its institutions.
Washington served two terms, from 1789 to 1797, and then retired to Mount Vernon. His decision to leave office helped establish a tradition of limited presidential tenure, although the two-term limit was not formally added to the Constitution until the Twenty-Second Amendment in 1951. Washington’s presidency followed independence by thirteen years.