February 4
George Washington Elected First U.S. President
Summary
After the American Revolutionary War, the new United States operated under the weak Articles of Confederation until the Constitution was ratified in 1788. The Electoral College convened for its first vote in early 1789 to select the nation's chief executive. On February 4, 1789, all 69 electors unanimously chose George Washington, the former commander of the Continental Army, as president. Washington, who had retired to Mount Vernon after the war, accepted the call to service despite his reluctance. His election established the precedent of a peaceful transfer of power and the two-term tradition later followed by most presidents.
Why It Matters
Washington's unanimous selection legitimized the new constitutional government and set enduring norms for the American presidency. His leadership helped stabilize the young republic during its formative years and influenced the development of executive authority in the United States.
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America 250 Atlas: Founding-era U.S. event and constitutional milestone involving the first president.
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Sources
- What Happened on February 4 - History.com, A&E Television Networks. Accessed 2026-07-08.