Who became the first United States secretary of the treasury in 1789?

Alexander Hamilton became the first United States secretary of the treasury in 1789.

President George Washington appointed Hamilton to lead the newly created Treasury Department. Hamilton was nominated, confirmed by the Senate, and sworn in on September 11, 1789. He served until January 31, 1795, making him one of the most influential members of Washington’s first cabinet.

Hamilton developed major parts of the early federal financial system. He supported federal assumption of state war debts, proposed a national bank, and promoted tariffs and an excise tax as sources of government revenue. His financial program strengthened federal authority but also generated fierce political opposition.

Hamilton is sometimes confused with Robert Morris, who had served as superintendent of finance under the Articles of Confederation. Morris was an important predecessor in national finance, but Hamilton held the first Treasury secretary position under the Constitution.