In 1789, George Washington became the first president of the United States, unanimously elected to the office and enjoying wide support from both politicians and the public alike.
10 Facts About Washington's Election
The path to the presidency, and the task of leading a new nation, was uncharted territory for which there was no precedent.
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Journey to the Inauguration
Pomp and procession have graced Inauguration Day for the past two centuries. Yet no celebration of a president-elect's acceptance of this post can match the grandeur that surrounded George Washington's.
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An Imperfect Election
Delays in selecting the chief executive are nothing new, dating back to George Washington's election in 1789.
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Unretirement
From his peaceful retirement at Mount Vernon, a retired General Washington answers "The Call of His Country".
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Life in New York City
The Washingtons' new home at 3 Cherry Street must have seemed like the center of the universe even though geographically speaking it was not even the center of New York City. Located uptown facing the East River, it was just a few long blocks away from the countryside.
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New Video
A More Perfect Union
Watch our animated video presentation about George Washington and forming the U.S. Constitution.
The First President
Washington's Presidential Cabinet
While the current presidential cabinet includes 16 members, George Washington’s cabinet included just 4 original members: Jefferson, Hamilton, Knox, and Randolph.