George Washington was the first president of the United States.
Washington took the presidential oath on April 30, 1789, in New York City. He had already served as commander in chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, making him a central figure in the history connected with America250.
As president, Washington established precedents for the new office, including forming a cabinet and addressing Congress. He served two terms and left office in 1797, declining to seek a third term. His retirement helped establish the tradition that presidents would not remain in office indefinitely.
John Adams was Washington’s vice president and succeeded him as the second president. Thomas Jefferson became the third president, while James Madison later became the fourth. Those neighboring names are common sources of confusion in questions about the early presidency.