January 7, 1789, marked a pivotal moment in American history – the country’s first presidential election. This historic event took place under the newly ratified United States Constitution, which established the presidency and the Electoral College system.
George Washington, the renowned commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, was unanimously elected as the first President of the United States. He received all 69 electoral votes cast, making him the only U.S. president to achieve a unanimous victory.
The election process was quite different from modern times. Each elector cast two votes for president, with the candidate receiving the most votes becoming president and the runner-up taking the vice presidency. John Adams, a distinguished statesman and diplomat, received 34 votes, securing his position as the first Vice President of the United States.
This inaugural election set important precedents for future presidential elections and established the foundation of American democracy. Washington’s unanimous election and subsequent inauguration on April 30, 1789, symbolized the peaceful transition of power and marked the beginning of a new era in American governance.
