Who was the first President of the United States?

The first President of the United States was George Washington. He took office on April 30, 1789, marking the beginning of the presidential office under the newly ratified Constitution. Washington is often referred to as the "Father of His Country" due to his leadership during the founding of the nation and his pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. His presidency set many precedents for the future officeholders, including the tradition of a two-term limit, which was later codified into the 22nd Amendment.

The other figures listed, while significant in their own right, served as Presidents much later in U.S. history. Thomas Jefferson was the third President, Abraham Lincoln served as the 16th President during the Civil War, and Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th President, known for his progressive reforms in the early 20th century. Therefore, understanding Washington's importance as the first President provides a foundation for exploring the role of the presidency and its evolution in American history.