The answer is yes… and no!
George Washington was the first to be appointed president after the U.S. Constitution. However, for eight years prior, beginning in 1781, the new country’s Congress operated under the Articles of Confederation, which was the predecessor to the Constitution. During that time, eight men were appointed for one-year terms as President under the Articles of Confederation. The first of these men was John Hanson.
John’s title was President of Congress because the new United States did not yet have an executive branch. While his powers were limited compared to those of later Presidents, he delt with very much the same kind of work, including handling the country’s correspondence and signing official documents. But his job was no easy task. One of his biggest challenges was the removal of all foreign troops from American lands, as well as their flags. Which he accomplished. He also led the fight for Western expansion.
But perhaps most interesting is that Hanson was responsible for establishing Thanksgiving Day as the fourth Thursday in November.
There have been many who feel Hanson should be recognized as the first President of the country for the important role he played in the U.S. history. He is often regarded as the “forgotten first President”. It is said of Hanson, “He was firm in his opinion that the people of America were capable of ruling themselves without the aid of a king.”
Both George and John have their statues in the United States Capitol! You can see them in the Capitol on the SelfTour™ Washington DC Walking Tour.
Enjoy President’s Day!
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