Who became the first president of the United States when he was inaugurated at Federal Hall in 1789?

George Washington became the first president of the United States when he was inaugurated at Federal Hall on April 30, 1789.

Washington had led the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and later presided over the Constitutional Convention of 1787. His reputation and public service made him the unanimous choice of the Electoral College in the first presidential election, held in 1788 and early 1789.

The inauguration took place in New York City, which was then the national capital. Chancellor Robert R. Livingston of New York administered the presidential oath on the balcony of Federal Hall before a large crowd. John Adams had already become vice president and attended the ceremony.

Washington served two four-year terms, from 1789 to 1797, and established precedents for the new office. He created a cabinet, supported the authority of the federal government, and voluntarily retired after two terms. His successor was John Adams, who had served as his vice president.