George WASHINGTON
1789 - April 30 - George Washington (1732–1799) became 1st President of the United States
On April 30, 1789, in a deep, low voice, George Washington gave his first speech as president of the United States. This speech is now known as the first presidential inaugural address. He spoke to a joint session of Congress that had gathered in Federal Hall (New York City, then the nation's capital).
Washington kept his first speech very simple. He spoke about ideas for amendments to the Constitution. He finished by asking for a “divine blessing” on the American people and their elected representatives.
It may sound odd, but George Washington did not run for president of the United States. He did not want to be president. George Washington hesitated at first about becoming President, but he served two terms in office.
www.americaslibrary.gov
April 30, 1789
Portrait and Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties, Iowa, Chapman Pub Co, 1894
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