March 11, 2020 | Dancy Mason

Who Was The First President?


George Washington was the first president of The United States of America—but few people know the whole story behind his presidency. For one thing, he didn’t even want it.


Who Was The First President?

The Great American Origin

Washington started out his path to the presidency long before America was a glimmer in anyone’s eye. He actually began as a commander in the colonial army, rising up the ranks by fighting for Britain in conflicts like the French and Indian War. Still, the seeds of discord were planted in Washington from early on.

In particular, he nursed a grievance against Merry Old England when his superiors passed him over for a military promotion. But how did a personal grudge lead to the presidency? Well, it almost didn’t.

Who was the first president editorialWikimedia

Washington was always an ambitious, politically-minded man, but he was also something of a househusband. In January 1759, the 26-year-old Washington married Martha Dandridge Custis.

Soon enough, the happy couple settled down at his Mount Vernon estate in Virginia, and Washington got to work growing tobacco, hobnobbing with the social elite, occasionally dabbling in politics, and generally living a stable, uneventful life. Unfortunately, the American Revolution was about to come knocking...

who was the first president editorialWikimedia

Factinate

Sign up to our newsletter.

History’s most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily. Making distraction rewarding since 2017.

Thank you!
Error, please try again.

Revolution to Retirement

When the British started unfairly hiking up taxes in America, Washington was one of the loudest voices to speak out against the parliamentary acts. So when this unrest led to full-blown revolution, Washington’s political stances and military background made him the perfect choice to become the Continental Army's commander in chief.

Of course, we all know now that he and his countrymen won the war and their independence—but believe it or not, this victory didn’t veer straight into Washington’s presidency. Why? Because he quit first.

Who was the first president editorialWikimedia

In fact, Washington quit very publicly. After leading his country to triumph, he gave a 1783 retirement speech to Congress that he called “this last solemn act of my official life.” He then made the celebratory farewell rounds before leaving for his beloved Mount Vernon and a quiet life.

Even more surprisingly, aside from a nagging worry that the new republic needed a strong national constitution, Washington was perfectly happy with his choice. That was supposed to be the end of that. Instead, it was the beginning of America as we know it.

Peter Dinklage factsPixabay

George Bless America

By 1787, the republic was indeed fracturing. In response, the future founding fathers organized the Constitutional Convention to revise the Articles of Confederation. Oh, and to elect a president of the unified states. They also only wanted one man for the job: George Washington.

It was not an easy road to convince him, but when they finally got him to come to the convention, the deal was all but done. The minute he walked into the room, Congress was going to elect him president.

Who was the first president editorialWikimedia

Sure enough, at the end of the convention, the Articles of Confederation were complete. The state electors voted Washington in as Commander in Chief again, this time of the nation. Washington’s response? Not exuberant. He had "anxious and painful sensations" about abandoning his "domestic felicity" in Mount Vernon. Washington even tried to refuse the $25,000 salary for the job. He also staunchly refused the suggested titles of “His Excellence” or “His Highness the President” for the more humble “Mr. President." With this gesture, he set the trend as we know it.

All the same, George Washington became the very first President of the United States of America on April 30, 1789—whether he wanted it or not. It’s not the tale of pre-destined leadership we’ve come to expect, but it does make for one great origin story.

Source: 1


More from Factinate

Featured Article

My mom never told me how her best friend died. Years later, I was using her phone when I made an utterly chilling discovery.

Dark Family Secrets

Dark Family Secrets Exposed

Nothing stays hidden forever—and these dark family secrets are proof that when the truth comes out, it can range from devastating to utterly chilling.
April 8, 2020 Samantha Henman

Featured Article

Madame de Pompadour was the alluring chief mistress of King Louis XV, but few people know her dark history—or the chilling secret shared by her and Louis.

Madame de Pompadour Facts

Entrancing Facts About Madame de Pompadour, France's Most Powerful Mistress

Madame de Pompadour was the alluring chief mistress of King Louis XV, but few people know her dark history—or the chilling secret shared by her and Louis.
December 7, 2018 Kyle Climans

More from Factinate

Featured Article

I tried to get my ex-wife served with divorce papers. I knew that she was going to take it badly, but I had no idea about the insane lengths she would go to just to get revenge and mess with my life.

These People Got Genius Revenges

When someone really pushes our buttons, we'd like to think that we'd hold our head high and turn the other cheek, but revenge is so, so sweet.
April 22, 2020 Scott Mazza

Featured Article

Catherine of Aragon is now infamous as King Henry VIII’s rejected queen—but few people know her even darker history.

Catherine of Aragon Facts

Tragic Facts About Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII’s First Wife

Catherine of Aragon is now infamous as King Henry VIII’s rejected queen—but very few people know her even darker history.
June 7, 2018 Christine Tran



Dear reader,


Want to tell us to write facts on a topic? We’re always looking for your input! Please reach out to us to let us know what you’re interested in reading. Your suggestions can be as general or specific as you like, from “Life” to “Compact Cars and Trucks” to “A Subspecies of Capybara Called Hydrochoerus Isthmius.” We’ll get our writers on it because we want to create articles on the topics you’re interested in. Please submit feedback to contribute@factinate.com. Thanks for your time!


Do you question the accuracy of a fact you just read? At Factinate, we’re dedicated to getting things right. Our credibility is the turbo-charged engine of our success. We want our readers to trust us. Our editors are instructed to fact check thoroughly, including finding at least three references for each fact. However, despite our best efforts, we sometimes miss the mark. When we do, we depend on our loyal, helpful readers to point out how we can do better. Please let us know if a fact we’ve published is inaccurate (or even if you just suspect it’s inaccurate) by reaching out to us at contribute@factinate.com. Thanks for your help!


Warmest regards,



The Factinate team




Want to learn something new every day?

Join thousands of others and start your morning with our Fact Of The Day newsletter.

Thank you!

Error, please try again.