According to popular belief George Washington was the first President of the United States. But you are not told is that George Washington was the first president to serve under the Constitution. Prior to the Constitution was the Articles of Confederation and under these articles were other presidents prior to George Washington.
Some of the First Presidents under the Articles
John Hanson, a merchant and public official of Maryland. He lived during the American Revolution and served his country through many patriot acts. He served as a delegate to the Continental Congress. He is one of the signers of the Articles of Confederation. He was eventually elected the first President of Congress in 1781 and for this people claim him to be the first President of the United States.
Elias Boudinot, a lawyer and statesman from New Jersey. He served as a delegate to the Continental Congress. He served as President from 1782 to 1783.
Samuel Huntington, a statesman and jurist from Connecticut. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress. He is one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation. He too served as President.
Thomas McKean, a lawyer and politician during the American Revolution. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress at this time. He was also a signer of the Declaration of Independence and served as President of Congress.
Thomas Mifflin, a merchant and politician from Pennsylvania. He was a general in the Continental Army. He served many governmental positions in Pennsylvania including being the first Governor of Pennsylvania. He was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and is the fifth President of Congress under the Articles.
Arthur St. Clair, a soldier and politician. He was elected as a delegate in the Confederation Convention and was eventually elected President of Congress.
Richard Henry Lee, a statesman from Virginia. He is most famous for his resolution of announcing the colonies independent from Great Britain. This led to the Declaration of Independence. He is one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. He served a one year term as President.
John Hancock, is a merchant and statesman during the American Revolution. He is most known for his large signature on the Declaration of Independence which made his name synonymous with signature. He served as President of the Second Continental Congress.
Nathaniel Gorham, an attendee of the Constitutional Convention. He is one of the signers of the Constitution. He served as the fourteenth President of Congress under the Articles of Confederation.
Cyrus Griffin, a lawyer and judge from Virginia. He was the last President of Congress under the Articles of Confederation. He later resigned after the United States Constitution was ratified. After his resignation he served as a federal judge.
The people listed above were Presidents to serve under the Articles of Confederation. These people are not listed as some of the first presidents because the Articles are no longer being used.
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