Contrary to popular belief, George Washington was not the first president of the United States. He is the first historyically accepted president, but not the absolute first. There were actually 14 presidents before Washington, but they were all appointed before the current US constitution. The latter 7 of which were appointed under the Articles of Confederation, and each for only a 1 year term. At the time, most people identified their state and local governments as having priority over the newly formed national government. It is most likely for this reason, that most people have never heard of most of these great men.

Here is a list of the first 14 presidents listed in order by the date they took office:

1. Peyton Randolph Virginia (September 5, 1774)
2. Henry Middelton South Carolina (October 22, 1774)
**Peyton Randolph Virginia (May 10, 1775)
(Randolph finished out Middleton`s term)
3. John Hancock Massachusetts (May 24, 1775)
4. Henry Laurens South Carolina (November 1,1777)
5. John Jay New York (December 10, 1778)
6. Samuel Huntington Connecticut (September 28, 1779)
7. Thomas McKean Delaware (July 10, 1781)
8. John Hanson Maryland (November 5, 1781)
9. Elis Boudinot New Jersey (November 4, 1782)
10. Thomas Mifflin Pennsylvania (November 3, 1783)
11. Richard Henry Lee Virginia (November 30, 1784)
12. Nathaniel Gorham Massachusetts (June 6, 1786)
13. Arthur St. Clair Pennsylvania (February 2, 1787)
14. Cyrus Griffin Virginia (January 22, 1788)

In addition to this list, I have also have a photocopy of an article from an old newpaper that started with John "Swede" Hanson as the "first" president since the Aricles of Confederation did not begin until 1781.

The above information is based on my readings of online texts from historians, and is factual to the best of my knowledge. Comments/Corrections/Documentation welcome!