Who was the first president of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797?

The first president of the United States was George Washington.

Washington was unanimously elected by the Electoral College in 1788 and again in 1792. He took the oath of office on April 30, 1789, at Federal Hall in New York City, beginning the new government created by the Constitution.

Before becoming president, Washington commanded the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War and presided over the Constitutional Convention of 1787. His military reputation and national standing made him the leading choice for the new presidency.

Washington served two terms and voluntarily retired in 1797. John Adams, his vice president, succeeded him. Washington was not formally affiliated with a political party, although disagreements between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans shaped his administration.