Who was the first president of the United States, a central figure in America250 history?

George Washington was the first president of the United States and a central figure in America250 history.

Washington served as president from 1789 to 1797, after leading the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He was unanimously elected by the Electoral College for both of his presidential terms, making him the only U.S. president to receive every electoral vote in an election.

Before becoming president, Washington presided over the Constitutional Convention of 1787, which produced the Constitution still in force today. His military reputation and political independence helped make him a unifying choice for the new republic.

Washington is often confused with the first person to serve as president under the Articles of Confederation. That office did not function like the later presidency; Washington was the first president under the Constitution. His February 22 birthday is also commemorated as Washington’s Birthday.