The question of who was the first president of the United States is one that has puzzled historians and citizens alike for centuries. While many may argue that it was George Washington, a lesser-known figure, President John Hanson, is often overlooked in favor of his more famous counterpart.
However, according to Peter Michael, a descendant of Hanson and author of "Remembering John Hanson, A Biography of the First President of the Original United States Government," there is no question about John Hanson's status as the first president. "For a nation to be a nation, it has to have a government and a head of state," Michael explains. "So, the first thing the newly seated government did was elect a head of state. And it was John Hanson."
Hanson's accomplishments are numerous and impressive. He established a cabinet, including a secretary of war, secretary of foreign affairs, and postmaster general. He also sent Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, John Jay, and Henry Laurens to Paris in 1782 to negotiate the British surrender in the Revolutionary War. Additionally, Hanson created the first national bank, census, and U.S. coinage during his tenure.
One of Hanson's most notable achievements was the establishment of Thanksgiving. He issued a proclamation on March 19, 1782, which marked the beginning of a national holiday that would be celebrated for generations to come.
Hanson was elected by the delegates of the Continental Congress under the Articles of Confederation as president of the United States on November 5, 1781. Unlike every other president since, Hanson inherited a blank slate and had to build a functioning government from scratch. He appointed his cabinet and established various offices, including the postmaster general, and put together a government in his one-year term.
It is unclear why Hanson has not received the recognition he deserves, but it is clear that his legacy is a vital part of American history. As Michael points out, Hanson's contributions to the nation's development are significant, and his presidency laid the groundwork for the United States as we know it today.
