George Washington

1796: President George Washington's Farewell Address

In his farewell Presidential address, George Washington advised American citizens to view themselves as a cohesive unit and avoid political parties and issued a special warning to be wary of attachments and entanglements with other nations.

In early 1796, President George Washington decided not to seek reelection for a third term and began drafting this farewell address to the American people. The address went through numerous drafts, in large part due to suggestions made by Alexander Hamilton.    » read more »

Although not required by the Constitution, George Washington presented the first Presidential inaugural address on April 30, 1789.    » read more »

On April 30, 1789, George Washington, standing on the balcony of Federal Hall on Wall Street in New York, took his oath of office as the first President of the United States. "As the first of every thing, in our situation will serve to establish a Precedent," he wrote James Madison, "it is devoutly wished on my part, that these precedents may be fixed on true principles."    » read more »

THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
MONDAY, MARCH 4, 1793

Fellow Citizens:

I am again called upon by the voice of my country to execute the functions of its Chief Magistrate. When the occasion proper for it shall arrive, I shall endeavor to express the high sense I entertain of this distinguished honor, and of the confidence which has been reposed in me by the people of united America.    » read more »

THE CITY OF NEW YORK
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1789

Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives:    » read more »

Contents