George Washington was unanimously elected president of the 1787 Constitutional Convention, a central gathering in the America250 founding story.
The convention met in Philadelphia from May 25 to September 17, 1787. Delegates had originally been called to revise the Articles of Confederation, but many concluded that a new framework of government was necessary. Washington, a Virginia delegate and former commander of the Continental Army, was chosen unanimously to preside.
As convention president, Washington generally did not lead debates in the manner of a modern party leader. He maintained order, recognized speakers, and participated in the proceedings as a delegate. His presence also gave the convention prestige and public confidence.
James Madison was another major figure and kept extensive notes, while Benjamin Franklin served as an influential elder delegate. Alexander Hamilton advocated a strong national government. None of those men, however, was the convention’s unanimously elected presiding officer.