John Hanson

OK, few people have ever heard of John Hanson. Certain historians proclaim him to be the first President of the US. Technically, he was not. In fact, he wasn't even the first President under the Articles of Confederation. The US Presidency really did come into being until the constitution was formally adopted in 1787 and besides there were other presidents of the Continental Congress so what’s the big deal? Poor Hanson, he is one of the long forgotten players on the American political stage during the American Revolution (or rebellion as it is sometimes known here in England!). He receives no recognition these days as anything not even an unsung hero.

His story is thus: John Hanson was born near Port Tobacco in Charles County, MD. and was the third generation of his family in Maryland. Hanson was first elected to represent Charles County in the Colonial Assembly in 1757. He was as an outspoken supporter of revolution. In December of 1779, the Maryland House of Delegates named John Hanson as one of its delegates to the Continental Congress. While Hanson was in Congress, the Articles of Confederation were at last ratified by all the states on March 1, 1781. Even after the adoption of the Articles of Confederation, there was no executive branch. Therefore the President of the Continental Congress was a position similar to a Prime Minister,the highest authority. Under the Articles, the position adopted the title President of the United States in Congress Assembled. Hanson was the first presiding officer of the Congress to use that title when dealing with foreign governments, diplomats, or treaties. Among the accomplishments of Hanson's presidency of Congress: delivered the official thanks of Congress to George Washington for his victory at Yorktown, Commended General Lafayette and thanked France for his services, passed legislation for the Bank of North America (the first central bank), established the United States Mint, established the predecessor agency of the State Department, created the position of Chairman of Congress (a predecessor of the Vice-Presidency), called for the first national census and proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving holiday! Not bad for a day’s work! Hanson died on 22 November 1783 in Maryland.

Today here's to John Hanson! I hope that there is a statue of him somewhere in Maryland to commemorate his life and contribution to formation of the USA!