George Washington served as president of the United States from April 30, 1789, to March 4, 1797.

Quick Scoop

  • He became the first U.S. president with his inauguration on April 30, 1789, in New York City.
  • He served two full four‑year terms.
  • His presidency ended on March 4, 1797, when John Adams was inaugurated as the second president.

Why those dates matter

  • 1789–1797 marks the creation of many core institutions of the new federal government under the Constitution.
  • Washington’s choice to step down after two terms set the informal two‑term tradition later written into the Constitution.

In short: when people ask “when did George Washington serve as president,” they’re talking about the period 1789–1797, covering his two historic terms as the first U.S. president.

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