John Hanson
John Hanson was the first president of the Continental Congress under the Articles of Confederation.
Political Figure
April 3, 1715
Aries
November 15, 1783
68
Charles County, Maryland
John Hanson was a notable American Patriot who served as the inaugural President of the United States under the Articles of Confederation in 1781. As a prominent leader in the struggle for independence from Great Britain, he held positions in Maryland’s colonial assembly and the Continental Congress. Hanson not only signed the Articles of Confederation but also played a pivotal role in establishing the foundation of the US government. He participated in the Annapolis Convention, which paved the way for the Constitutional Convention, and was a strong advocate for abolishing slavery in Maryland.
Contrary to claims that he was the first Black president of the United States, John Hanson was actually of English and Welsh heritage, with no evidence indicating any African ancestry. This misconception has been widely circulated on social media in recent years.