When George Washington took office in 1789, he was heralded as the "Father of Our Country" and known throughout history as the first President of the United States.
This was not exactly true however. Several men served as leaders of our country before Washington took office, both as Presidents of the Congress and then as Presidents of
the United States under the Articles of Confederation, which proceeded the Constitution.
There is also the story of the man who served as President for one day between Polk and Taylor.
Although they are not as well known, and most only served one year terms, they were no less important to the history of our country.
| Peyton Randolph |
Henry Middleton |
John Hancock |
Henry Laurens |
John Jay |
Samuel Huntington |
| Thomas McKean |
| John Hanson |
Elias Boudinot |
Thomas Mifflin |
Richard Henry Lee |
John Hancock |
Nathaniel Gorham |
| Arthur St. Clair |
Cyrus Griffin |
![]() David Rice Atchison |