Who was the first President of the United States?

The first President of the United States was George Washington. He served from April 30, 1789, to March 4, 1797, and is often referred to as the "Father of His Country" due to his pivotal role in the founding of the nation. Washington was unanimously elected as the first president and set many precedents for the office, including the tradition of holding two terms. His leadership was crucial in the early years of the Republic, helping to establish a functioning federal government and providing a model for future presidents.

In contrast, Thomas Jefferson was the third president, Abraham Lincoln was the sixteenth, and Theodore Roosevelt was the twenty-sixth. Each played significant roles in U.S. history, but none held the office as the first president, which is why George Washington is the correct answer.