Was John Hanson the First U.S. President?

When most people hear the question, “Who was the first President of the United States?”, the immediate answer is George Washington. But history lovers sometimes raise another name: John Hanson. So what’s the truth? Was Hanson actually the first President, or is this just one of America’s most persistent myths? Let’s dive in.

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The Myth of John Hanson

John Hanson (1715–1783), a Maryland statesman, served as President of the United States in Congress Assembled from 1781 to 1782, under the nation’s first governing framework, the Articles of Confederation.

“From 1781 to 1782 he was ‘President of the United States in Congress Assembled’ under the Articles of Confederation.” — Architect of the Capitol

This title certainly sounds impressive, and it has fueled the myth that Hanson was the true first President of the United States. In fact, Hanson was the first to serve a full one-year term in this role, helping to stabilize the early Congress after the Revolutionary War and even overseeing the first national Thanksgiving proclamation.

But his position was very different from what we think of today as the presidency. Hanson was essentially a presiding officer of Congress — similar to a modern Speaker of the House. He had no executive powers, could not veto laws, and did not command the military.

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George Washington and the Constitutional Presidency

Fast-forward a few years: the Articles of Confederation proved too weak to hold the new nation together. In 1789, the U.S. Constitution created a much stronger federal government — and with it, the executive office of the President.

On April 30, 1789, George Washington stood on the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City and took the oath as the first constitutional President.

“On the afternoon of April 30, 1789, George Washington stepped out onto the balcony of Federal Hall in Lower Manhattan to take the oath as the first President of the United States.” — Mount Vernon

Washington’s role was far more than ceremonial. He was Commander-in-Chief, had veto power, appointed judges and cabinet members, and set lasting traditions like serving only two terms.

“First President… Unanimously elected twice, President Washington established many crucial precedents and confronted many domestic and foreign policy challenges.” — Mount Vernon

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	John Hanson	George Washington
Years in Office	1781–1782	1789–1797
Governing Framework	Articles of Confederation	U.S. Constitution
Role	Presiding officer of Congress	Chief Executive of the nation
Executive Powers	None	Full executive authority
Elected By	Continental Congress	Electoral College
Legacy	First full-term president under Articles	First true President of the U.S.

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Why the Confusion?

The confusion arises largely from Hanson’s official title: “President of the United States in Congress Assembled.” It sounds nearly identical to the title later held by George Washington. Add to that Hanson’s portrait hanging in the U.S. Capitol and family descendants lobbying for his recognition, and you can see why the myth spread.

As the Smithsonian Magazine points out, the myth gained traction in the early 20th century and has persisted ever since.

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The Verdict

So, was John Hanson the first U.S. President? Yes — but only under the Articles of Confederation, and with no real executive power.

Was George Washington the first President as we understand the office today? Absolutely. Washington’s presidency under the Constitution set the model for every leader who came after him.

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✅ Key Takeaway

John Hanson deserves recognition for his role in guiding America’s fragile government during its earliest years. But when it comes to the presidency as defined by the Constitution, George Washington is the true first President of the United States.

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📌 Sources:

• National Archives – Articles of Confederation
• Smithsonian Magazine – Who Was John Hanson?
• Mount Vernon – George Washington’s Presidency