On this day in 1789, the first presidential electors are selected. Just a few weeks later, the Electoral College would elect George Washington as the nation’s first President. Perhaps you know that Washington’s election was unanimous, but do you know about the unusual decisions made by state legislatures that year? The states engaged in independent decision-making that seems strange to modern Americans. The founding generation, however, knew that it was all part and parcel of

On this day in 1795, George Washington issues a proclamation, calling for a day of public Thanksgiving and prayer. He was relieved and grateful that the so-called Whiskey Rebellion had finally come to an end.   That rebellion had “wantonly threatened” America, Washington knew.   The American government was then still very young, of course, and it had been looking for ways to raise revenue. One of the methods settled upon was an excise tax on whiskey. This tax was imposed in 1

On this day in 1789, George Washington returns from his first presidential tour. Our first President thought it important to visit every part of the country during his time in office. Surely a visit from the much-loved President would help unify the country under its new government and its new Constitution. Washington left New York City on October 15, 1789, not too long after the first Congress adjourned on September 29. This first trip would weave its way through New Englan

On this day in 1796, George Washington bids the nation farewell. He was retiring from the presidency and making his last exit from public...