"No People can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand, which conducts the Affairs of men more than the People of the United States. Every step, by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation, seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency."

First Inaugural Address | Thursday, April 30, 1789


Editorial Notes

On April 30, 1789 George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States.  In this first inaugural address he stated “I was summoned by my Country, whose voice I can never hear but with veneration and love.”  Clearly moved by the choice to elect him as the nation’s first president, Washington’s speech continued in this humble fashion. 

First Inaugural Address: Final Version, 30 April 1789


Login
Buy Tickets Activities Calendar Shop Restaurant Give Membership
Estate Hours

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

iconDirections & Parking
buy tickets online & save