February 4, 1789: The Electoral College Unanimously Chooses George Washington
In the winter of 1789, the United States stood on uncertain but hopeful ground. The Revolutionary War had ended only a few years earlier, and the young nation was still experimenting with how to govern itself. The Articles of Confederation had proven too weak to hold the states together effectively, prompting the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and the creation of an entirely new framework for government. At the center of that new framework was a novel mechanism for choosing a president: the Electoral College. On February 4, 1789, this system was tested for the first time—and it delivered a clear and historic result. The electors unanimously chose George Washington as the first President of the United States.
Washington’s selection was less a campaign victory and more a national consensus. Unlike modern elections filled with speeches, advertisements, and political rivalry, there was little doubt about who should lead. Washington had already become a living symbol of the Revolution. As commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, he guided the colonies through years of hardship and ultimately to victory over Britain. More importantly, he had demonstrated humility and restraint by surrendering his commission after the war rather than seeking power. To many Americans, this act proved he could be trusted with the presidency.
Under the new Constitution, each state appointed electors equal to its representation in Congress. These electors cast two votes for president, with the runner-up becoming vice president. When the votes were counted, every single elector cast one ballot for Washington—making him the only president in American history to be elected unanimously. John Adams received the second-highest number of votes and became vice president.
The unanimity reflected more than admiration for Washington’s leadership; it revealed the nation’s desire for stability. The United States was fragile. Its economy struggled, foreign powers watched closely, and internal divisions threatened unity. Americans needed a figure who could rise above regional and partisan interests. Washington’s reputation for integrity, discipline, and public service made him uniquely qualified to guide the experiment in republican government.
Washington himself did not seek the role eagerly. In letters, he expressed reluctance, preferring retirement at Mount Vernon. Yet he accepted the responsibility out of duty, understanding that the success or failure of the presidency might determine the fate of the republic. His careful leadership during those first years—establishing precedents, forming a cabinet, supporting a stable financial system, and stepping down after two terms—helped shape the office for generations to come.
The Electoral College vote of 1789 was therefore more than a procedural milestone. It marked the peaceful transfer of authority from revolution to constitutional governance. It demonstrated that a new nation could choose its leader not by force or inheritance, but by structured consent. And it elevated George Washington from wartime hero to the first steward of American democracy.
On that day, the presidency—and the United States itself—truly began.
Artwork shown is a stylized AI-generated interpretation. The physical product is a 3D-printed sculpture based on portraits and paintings found in the open domain.