Who was the first President of the United States?

The first President of the United States was George Washington. He assumed office on April 30, 1789, after being unanimously elected by the Electoral College. Washington is often referred to as the "Father of His Country" due to his pivotal role in the founding of the nation and the establishment of many protocols for the new government. His leadership during the American Revolutionary War and his presidency set many precedents that would guide future presidents.

In contrast, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and John Adams were all significant figures in American history but served as president at different times. Jefferson was the third president, known for the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Lincoln was the 16th president, famous for leading the nation through the Civil War and working to end slavery. John Adams was the second president and played a crucial role in advocating for independence but served after Washington. Understanding the timeline of these historical figures helps clarify their contributions and statuses within U.S. history.