George Washington was not technically the first president.
Technically, John Hanson was the first person to hold the exact title "President of the United States in Congress Assembled" under the Articles of Confederation in 1781. However, George Washington is universally recognized as the first president of the modern United States under the U.S. Constitution.
While Hanson's position was primarily a ceremonial presiding role rather than the head of an executive branch, seven men held the title of President of Congress prior to Washington.
Technically, John Hanson was the first person to hold the exact title "President of the United States in Congress Assembled" under the Articles of Confederation in 1781. However, George Washington is universally recognized as the first president of the modern United States under the U.S. Constitution.
While Hanson's position was primarily a ceremonial presiding role rather than the head of an executive branch, seven men held the title of President of Congress prior to Washington.