George Washington was the first president of the United States, whose leadership is included in America250 history.
Washington served as president from April 30, 1789, to March 4, 1797. He was unanimously chosen by the Electoral College for both of his terms. Before becoming president, he had 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 a natural choice to lead the new federal government. Washington established important precedents, including assembling a cabinet and voluntarily leaving office after two terms. His decision helped reinforce the idea that the presidency was not a lifetime position.
Washington is sometimes confused with other Founding Fathers because John Adams was the first vice president and the second president, while Thomas Jefferson was the third. Washington’s presidential inauguration took place in New York City, then the temporary national capital.