George Washington became the first U.S. president inaugurated under the Constitution, a milestone preceding America250.
Washington took the presidential oath on April 30, 1789, at Federal Hall in New York City. The ceremony followed the ratification of the Constitution and the election of the first president by the Electoral College.
Chancellor of New York Robert Livingston administered the oath. Washington then delivered his inaugural address to Congress, beginning the executive government created by the new constitutional system.
Washington’s inauguration was not the first transfer of authority after independence. The Continental Congress and the government under the Articles of Confederation had preceded it. John Adams was the first vice president and succeeded Washington as president in 1797.