On this day in 1789, presidential electors unanimously voted for George Washington of Virginia to be the country’s first president.
“First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen,” immortalized by Henry Lee, Washington was also first as president, first as commander-in-chief, first in setting precedents for everything he did as the first chief executive. His style would be emulated by his immediate successors and for generations to follow.
The United States had won independence with Washington as its commander. Some would contest we were then lost in the wilderness during the Articles of Confederation without our general at the helm. A new system had created a new position; president. A chief executive with enumerated powers was a needed addition. But would it work?
Legendary author Washington Irving described the setting as, “The eyes of the world were upon Washington at the commencement of his administration. He had won laurels in the field. Would they continue to flourish in the cabinet? His position was surrounded with difficulties. Inexperienced in the duties of civil administration, he was to inaugurate a new untried system of government composed of States and people, as yet a mere experiment, to which some looked forward with buoyant confidence, many with doubt and apprehension.”
Washington could’ve been King. John Adams and Alexander Hamilton would’ve made it happen if there had been more support for an American monarchy. But Washington stepped down after being twice popularly elected. That became a standard that was worth following. Washington, with powdered hair, wore a sword to his inauguration, and so did John Adams, but no one else has, illustrating that not all precedents deserve continuation. We are free to copy the best qualities and purge the less desirable ones.
As a statesman, George Washington has few equals. His two unanimous elections were the will of the electorate, which will never be equaled by another. His service cannot be forgotten.