Year George Washington Became President
So, When Did George Washington Actually Become President? Imagine this: you're walking down the street, minding your own business, when suddenly, a crowd gathers around you,...
So, When Did George Washington Actually Become President?
Imagine this: you're walking down the street, minding your own business, when suddenly, a crowd gathers around you, cheering and shouting, "You're the president!" Now, that's quite a surprise, right? Well, that's pretty much what happened to George Washington. But let's rewind a bit.
It was April 30, 1789, and Washington was just an ordinary citizen (well, as ordinary as a former general and the presiding officer of the Constitutional Convention can be). He was walking along Wall Street in New York City when he heard the news. The Electoral College had just elected him as the first President of the United States. Talk about a plot twist!
But Wait, There's More!
Now, you might be thinking, "That's all well and good, but when did he actually become president?" Great question! You see, even though the election was over, Washington still had to be inaugurated. And that didn't happen until April 30, 1789. Yes, you read that right. It took a whole month for the news to travel from the Electoral College to Washington's ears and then for him to make his way to New York City for the inauguration.
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On that sunny April day, Washington stood on the balcony of Federal Hall and took the oath of office. He placed his hand on a Bible (which was borrowed, by the way - he didn't have his own at the time) and swore to "preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States." And with that, the first President of the United States was officially inaugurated.
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And the Crowd Goes Wild
After the oath, Washington delivered his inaugural address. It was a pretty big deal, as you can imagine. The crowd listened intently, and when he finished, they erupted in cheers. It was a moment of pure joy and pride for the new nation. Washington, who was known for his humility, was deeply moved by the outpouring of support.
So there you have it, folks. George Washington became president on April 30, 1789. It was a day filled with surprises, emotion, and the birth of a new nation. And the rest, as they say, is history.
