April 30, 1789Reputable sourceWell documented
Washington Becomes the First President
On the timeline · around April 30, 1789 ·
What happened
George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States in New York City on April 30, 1789. Setting precedents at every turn, he formed a cabinet, kept the young nation out of European wars, and — most consequentially — voluntarily stepped down after two terms.
Why it matters
By surrendering power rather than clinging to it, Washington established the peaceful transfer of authority that has anchored American democracy ever since, and defined the presidency itself.
Sources
- Mount Vernon (Washington Library). The First President · Reputable source