When asked about the first president of the United States, most people would answer with confidence that it was George Washington. However, the history of the early American government is more complex than that. Before Washington, there were 14 men who held presidential positions in the United States’ earliest governmental bodies. These men played crucial roles in shaping the nation and its path to independence.
Peyton Randolph: The First President of the Continental Congress
The Continental Congress, established by the leaders of the American Revolution in 1774, served as a crucial governing body even before the United States formally existed. Peyton Randolph, a respected lawyer and attorney general of Virginia, became the first president of the Continental Congress in 1774. Known for his great dignity and political moderation, Randolph played a pivotal role in shaping the early stages of American governance. His close friendship with George Washington and familial connection to Thomas Jefferson further highlighted his significance in the political landscape of the time.
Henry Middleton: A Moderate Voice in the Continental Congress
Henry Middleton, a planter from South Carolina, succeeded Peyton Randolph as the president of the Continental Congress. Middleton, belonging to South Carolina’s unofficial aristocracy, brought a moderate perspective to the congress. With vast land holdings and around 800 slaves, Middleton’s wealth and connections contributed to his political influence. As president, Middleton signed the congress’ “Declaration of Rights and Grievances,” expressing the colonists’ demand for equal treatment as British citizens. Despite his initial opposition to independence, Middleton’s contributions to the revolutionary cause were recognized and respected.
John Hancock: The Signature of Independence
John Hancock, widely known for his flamboyant signature on the Declaration of Independence, also served as the president of the Continental Congress. Hancock’s rebellious tendencies were evident even before the revolution, as he resisted British officials who accused him of smuggling. As president, his duty included signing the Declaration of Independence, a treasonous act that defied British rule. Hancock’s significant role in the American Revolution extended beyond his signature, as he fought in the war and later became the governor of Massachusetts.
Henry Laurens: Imprisoned for Independence
Henry Laurens, a prominent member of the revolution, was elected as the president of the Continental Congress in 1777. Like many other leaders of the time, Laurens was a planter and slave owner from South Carolina. His successful import-export business expanded into slave trading. Laurens initially appeared moderate but criticized British interference in the colonial economy. However, his advocacy for independence led to his capture by the British on his way to negotiate an alliance with Holland. Imprisoned in the Tower of London under harsh conditions, Laurens became a symbol of the American struggle for freedom.
John Jay: From Congress to Chief Justice
John Jay, the first chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, also served as the president of the Continental Congress. Jay held various offices during his political career and played a crucial role in negotiating the Treaty of Paris, which expanded American territory and established peace with Great Britain. As a writer of the Federalist Papers, Jay warned against foreign influence and emphasized the importance of national unity. Despite being less well-known than other founders, Jay’s contributions were highly regarded by his contemporaries, including John Adams.
Samuel Huntington: A Forgotten Leader
Samuel Huntington, a member of the revolutionary congresses for eight years, is often considered one of the first U.S. presidents. As president of the Continental Congress, Huntington played a significant role in establishing the Articles of Confederation, which contained the first written reference to the United States. Huntington’s political career extended beyond the revolution, as he became the first governor of Connecticut and the chief justice of the state’s Supreme Court. His leadership during Shays’ Rebellion demonstrated his commitment to maintaining order and supporting government stability.
Thomas McKean: A Figure of Controversy
Thomas McKean, a delegate from Delaware, served as both a member of the Continental Congress and the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. McKean’s political career was marked by frequent party switches, making him a divisive figure in Pennsylvania. Despite his controversial reputation, McKean left a significant impact, serving as one of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence and later becoming the president of the Continental Congress. His commitment to public service and his experiences during the war shaped his perspective on governance.
John Hanson: The First President of the Confederation Congress
John Hanson is often considered the first president of the United States under the Articles of Confederation. As the president of the Confederation Congress, he acted under the laws that preceded the U.S. Constitution. However, during Hanson’s tenure, the president was still part of the legislature, not an independent position. Hanson’s role was more akin to that of the British prime minister. As part of Maryland’s revolutionary government, Hanson played a crucial role in securing the state’s consent for independence. Despite the controversy surrounding his presidency, Hanson’s contributions to the early American government should not be overlooked.
Elias Boudinot: A Man of Faith and Politics
Elias Boudinot, the ninth president of the Continental Congress, represented New Jersey in the congress. Boudinot was not only a politician but also a devout Christian. He wrote and published “The Age of Revelation” to defend his faith against the writings of Thomas Paine. Boudinot’s belief in elastic laws, with the exception of the Ten Commandments, showcased his progressive views on governance. His tenure as president coincided with his directorship of Philadelphia’s national mint, and he later served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Thomas Mifflin: From Aide to Governor
Thomas Mifflin, one of George Washington’s aides during the Revolutionary War, served as the president of the Confederation Congress. Although he faced scandal and mismanagement during his tenure as quartermaster general, Mifflin’s contributions to the American cause were recognized by Washington. As president, Mifflin accepted Washington’s resignation as commander, oversaw the ratification of the Treaty of Paris, and became Pennsylvania’s first governor. Despite his shortcomings, Mifflin’s role in the early American government cannot be overlooked.
Richard Henry Lee: A Voice for Independence
Richard Henry Lee, a member of one of Virginia’s influential families, played a significant role in the path to independence. Lee proposed the resolution to separate from Great Britain, declaring the colonies’ right to be free and independent states. He allied with the Adams brothers and clashed with Silas Deane, leading to his resignation from the Continental Congress. As president of the Confederation Congress, Lee’s contributions continued, and he left public service due to poor health.
Nathaniel Gorham: Advocate for Strong Central Government
Nathaniel Gorham’s contributions to American governance extended beyond his presidency in the Confederation Congress. His work on Massachusetts’ Board of War and involvement in the state’s constitutional writing showcased his commitment to public service. Gorham advocated for a strong central government during the Constitutional Convention, emphasizing the need to avoid the pitfalls of a weak national government. Despite his unsuccessful proposal to make the king of Prussia the king of the Americas, Gorham’s optimism for George Washington’s presidency reflected his desire for a prosperous and unified nation.
Arthur St. Clair: From Aide to Governor
Arthur St. Clair, another one of George Washington’s aides, held multiple roles in the early American government. As president of the Confederation Congress, St. Clair accepted Washington’s resignation as commander and oversaw the ratification of the Treaty of Paris. However, his tenure as governor of the Northwest Territory was marred by a military defeat against Native Americans. Despite Washington’s disappointment, St. Clair’s political career continued, highlighting the complexities of leadership during the nation’s formative years.
Cyrus Griffin: The Last President of the Confederation Congress
Cyrus Griffin, the last president of the Confederation Congress, witnessed the transition from the Articles of Confederation to the American Constitution. Initially hesitant about American independence, Griffin later became a delegate to the Continental Congress and played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s governance. Although few documents and artifacts remain to commemorate Griffin’s contributions, his role as the last president of the Confederation Congress should not be overlooked.
The history of the United States’ early government is a tapestry woven with the contributions of 14 men who held presidential positions before George Washington. These individuals played vital roles in shaping the nation’s path to independence and establishing the foundations of American governance. From Peyton Randolph to Cyrus Griffin, their diverse backgrounds, political views, and leadership styles have left a lasting impact on the nation’s history. Understanding their accomplishments, controversies, and legacies allows us to appreciate the complexities of the early American government and the individuals who shaped it.
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