First President

Washington's Election

Everyone expected George Washington to win the first election in 1789. But an equally important question remained unanswered: would he accept the job?

Washington's Inauguration

Explore George Washington's historic journey to New York City for his first presidential inauguration in 1789.

The First First Lady

Just as her husband realized that his every action might set a precedent for future presidents, so was Martha Washington aware that her behavior as first lady would become the template for the wives of future chief executives.

Slavery and Washington’s Presidency

After the American victory in the Revolution, George Washington repeatedly voiced opposition to slavery in personal correspondence. He privately noted his support for a gradual, legislative end to slavery, but as a public figure, he did not make abolition a cause.

Presiding in a Crisis

President Washington confronted crises
and set the template for presidential leadership.

The First Cabinet

George Washington’s cabinet included four original members: Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of War Henry Knox, and Attorney General Edmund Randolph.

The First Supreme Court

As the first president, and since there were no sitting justices at the beginning of his term, George Washington had the unique opportunity to fill the entire body of United States federal judges with his selections-- including the Supreme Court.

State of the Union Address

On January 8, 1790, President George Washington delivered to Congress the first State of the Union address in American history. This precedent setting address presented defense, foreign policy, economic, education, and immigration related topics.

Who Was Washington's Vice President?

First US Census

The 1790 census was the first federally sponsored count of the American people and one of the most significant undertakings of Washington's first term.

A Philadelphia Story

In 1793, a yellow fever epidemic hit the city hard, and sent George Washington and the federal government packing.

Presidential Entertaining

In addition to his appearance in public settings, Washington paid close attention to the manner of domestic entertaining that he felt best defined the new American presidency.

First 100 Days

Today we judge our modern Presidents by how much they achieved in their first 100 days.  See how Washington stacked up to the others.

Four More Years?

Peek inside the secret plot to push Washington into a third presidential term.