The presidency of George Washington began on April 30, 1789, when Washington was inaugurated as the first president of the United States, and ended on March 4, 1797. Washington took office after the 1788–89 presidential election, the nation's first quadrennial presidential election, in which he was elected unanimously. Washington took office after the 1788–89 presidential election, the nation's first quadrennial presidential election, in which he was elected unanimously. The comte de Rochambeau urged Washington to accept, as did the Marquis de Lafayette, who exhorted Washington to 'not to deny your acceptance of the office of President for the first years.' Washington replied 'Let those follow the pursuits of ambition and fame, who have a keener relish for them, or who may have more years, in store, for the enjoyment.'
1789,
1789,