Who was the first president of the United States?

George Washington is recognized as the first president of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797. His leadership during the American Revolutionary War and his role in the drafting of the Constitution solidified his position as a unifying symbol for the fledgling nation. Washington’s presidency established many precedents for the office and helped lay foundational principles for the U.S. government. This historical context underscores his significance as a leader who guided the nation through its formative years, earning him the title of the first president.

Other individuals listed, such as Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and Thomas Jefferson, were important figures in American history, but none served as the first president. Lincoln was the 16th president, known for his leadership during the Civil War and the abolition of slavery; Roosevelt was the 26th president, recognized for his progressive reforms and leadership during the Great Depression; Jefferson was the third president, celebrated for the Louisiana Purchase and authoring the Declaration of Independence.