Who became the first U.S. president, a founding leader remembered by America250?

George Washington became the first president of the United States, a founding leadership milestone remembered by America250.

Washington took the oath of office on April 30, 1789, at Federal Hall in New York City. He had been unanimously chosen by the Electoral College, making him the only president ever elected unanimously by that body.

Before becoming president, Washington commanded the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and later presided over the Constitutional Convention. His reputation and military service made him a unifying choice for the new republic.

Washington served two four-year terms and declined to seek a third. His decision established an important political tradition, although presidential term limits did not become constitutional law until the Twenty-second Amendment was ratified in 1951.