Washington Was Not the First U.S. President

John Hanson from Maryland, instrumental in getting that state to ratify the Articles of Confederation, was actually elected first president of the Congress of the Confederation, in 1783. (This face, portrait at left, should be on the dollar!) There were actually eight of these presidents in all before George Washington was elected after ratification of the current Constitution in 1789.

To be literally correct then, Washington was our ninth President.

I still like the story of his less-known quote. When Washington was boarding the rowboat to cross the Delaware, he had to nudge 300-lb Colonel Henry Knox aside to make room, with these immortal words, “Shift that fat ass, Harry, but slowly or you’ll swamp the damn boat!” To me, these are much more inspiring fighting words than “full speed ahead” or “I regret that I have but one life to give.” Knox has now achieved immortality.

Contrary to the famous painting, Washington wasn't stupid enough to stand up in the boat and present a big target, nor did he want to swamp the boat himself. I guess our fearless leader hunkered down with everyone else isn't very inspiring art. So where were the 'rays of God's light' shining down to show his approval? Now, that's art!