Was John Hancock The First President?

John Hancock: More Than a Signature

Today, John Hancock is best remembered for his bold signature on the Declaration of Independence, but his contributions to American history go far beyond that iconic  moment. In fact, there’s a theoretical argument that Hancock was the first President of the United States!

While George Washington was the first President elected by a national vote under the Constitution, Hancock served as the presiding officer of the Continental Congress when the Declaration of Independence was adopted. By declaring independence, the Continental Congress became the governing body of the new nation, making Hancock, in essence, the first leader of an independent United States.

“We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled…”

Significantly, the word ‘united’ was not capitalized.

As a result, it could be read as the signers saying that the states were united instead of declaring it the new name of a country. However, while Hancock was still serving as President of the Congress, on September 9, 1776, the Continental Congress passed a resolution officially naming the new nation the “United States of America.” This resolution standardized the name, reflecting the transition from a collection of individual colonies to a unified nation.

Thus, Congress was now the governing body of the United States of America, and John Hancock was its President.

Again, this interpretation is not an attempt to diminish or remove the obvious fact that George Washington served as the first nationally elected President of the United States. It’s merely to recognize that John Hancock served in a more important fashion than many people today understand.

Presiding Over the Continental Congress

As President of the Continental Congress from 1775 to 1777, Hancock played a crucial role in guiding the colonies through the turbulent early years of the Revolution. He skillfully navigated the delicate balance between northern and southern colonies, helping to unify them in the fight for independence.

John Hancock’s leadership extended beyond mere formality; Hancock was an adept negotiator, managing the conflicting interests of various factions within Congress. He helped align business interests with the revolutionary cause, ensuring that the economic engine behind the colonies continued to support the struggle for freedom.

A Leader Before and After Independence

While Hancock did not serve as President under the Articles of Confederation—an office first held by John Hanson in 1781—he remained a key political figure throughout the Revolutionary period and beyond. He was repeatedly elected as a delegate to Congress and continued to shape the new nation’s political landscape. His leadership and continued influence reflected the trust and respect he commanded among his peers. Hancock’s role during this formative period helped lay the groundwork for the United States’ future governance structure.

Hancock’s Philanthropy and Statesmanship

In addition to his political acumen, Hancock was known for his personal philanthropy and commitment to the cause of independence. He used his considerable wealth to support the revolutionary effort, financing supplies and troops when the fledgling nation lacked resources.

As the governor of Massachusetts, a position he held multiple times, Hancock was a key figure in maintaining the delicate balance between state and federal interests during the republic’s early years. His ability to bridge gaps between different regions and political factions was instrumental in the eventual success of the American Revolution and the establishment of a functioning government.

Hancock’s Lasting Legacy

While George Washington is rightly recognized as the first president under the U.S. Constitution, John Hancock’s role as the presiding officer of the Continental Congress places him in a unique position in American history.

His leadership during the Revolution, his skillful negotiation between various colonial interests, and his continued service as a delegate and governor showcase a figure whose contributions extend far beyond his famous signature. By considering Hancock’s entire legacy, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and challenges that shaped the early United States, and we can appreciate why some might view him as the first leader of the newly independent nation.