Who was the first U.S. secretary of the treasury, appointed by George Washington in 1789?

Alexander Hamilton was the first U.S. secretary of the treasury, appointed by George Washington in 1789. Washington chose Hamilton to lead the new department as the federal government began operating under the Constitution.

Hamilton was nominated, confirmed by the Senate, and sworn in on September 11, 1789. His responsibilities included helping establish national financial institutions and organizing the government’s approach to Revolutionary War debts. His reports to Congress shaped early federal economic policy.

Hamilton supported assuming state debts, funding national obligations at full value, and creating a national bank. These policies strengthened federal authority but also generated fierce opposition from leaders who favored greater state power and an agricultural republic.

His Treasury work helped produce the first American party system. Hamilton and his allies became associated with the Federalist Party, while opponents led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison organized the Democratic-Republican Party. Hamilton served as treasury secretary until January 1795.