George Washington (1732–1799) commanded the Continental Army and served as the first President of the United States from 1789 to 1797. He helped create federal institutions and set important presidential precedents, though his legacy is complicated by his ownership of enslaved people.
As commander of the Continental Army and the nation’s first president, George Washington led the United States through its formative years, establishing key institutions and precedents such as the presidential cabinet, the federal judiciary, and the peaceful transfer of power.
He helped stabilize the new federal government and promoted neutrality in foreign affairs, but his record is mixed: his actions shaped federal authority and American diplomacy while his ownership of enslaved people and contested policies remain central to assessments of his legacy.
Led Continental Army to victory in the American Revolution; Unanimously elected first President (1789) and served two terms; Established the presidential cabinet and signed the Judiciary Act of 1789; Oversaw the ratification of the Bill of Rights; Issued the Neutrality Proclamation and wrote the Farewell Address advocating non-entanglement; Suppressed the Whiskey Rebellion and set the two-term presidential precedent
Key highlights and dated events associated with this presidency.
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On July 27, 1789, the First Congress approved legislation creating the Department of Foreign Affairs as an executive department to handle the new nation's diplomatic business.
President George Washington signed the Tariff Act of 1789, the first major revenue law under the new Constitution imposing duties on imports.
Representative James Madison formally presented a set of proposed amendments to the U.S. Constitution to the House of Representatives.
At his inauguration on April 30, George Washington placed his hand on a Bible belonging to St. John's Lodge No. 1 of New York when Chancellor Robert R. Livingston administered the oath.
After his inauguration, George Washington attended an inaugural banquet at Fraunces Tavern in New York City hosted by city officials and leading citizens.
After taking the oath at Federal Hall, Washington participated in a public procession and was greeted with official honors in New York City, including bells and artillery salutes.
On the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City on April 30, 1789, Robert R. Livingston, Chancellor of New York, administered the presidential oath of office to George Washington.
After taking the oath of office at Federal Hall in New York City, George Washington delivered the First Inaugural Address, outlining his views on the Constitution, the duties of the new government, and the character required of the presidency.
George Washington took the oath of office in New York City and became the first President of the United States.
After arriving in New York City, Washington moved into the Samuel Osgood House, which served as the first presidential residence and household during the opening of his administration.
After an extended, celebratory journey from Mount Vernon, Washington reached New York City on April 23, 1789, where crowds and civic leaders greeted him in the temporary national capital.
John Adams was sworn in as the first Vice President and performed the duties of President of the Senate during early sessions of the First Congress in New York.