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The President of the Continental Congress was the presiding officer of the Continental Congress elected by the delegates to the congress. After the Articles of Confederation were adopted on in March 1, 1781 the office was known as the President of the United States in Congress Assembled.Though the United States was an independent country at the time the office was established, the early president of the congress was not yet America's full Head of State. The position is perhaps best likened to a presiding chairman, and its occupants held very little power for only brief terms.
Because of the title of " president" (at the time still quite unusual) many naturally draw a connection between the office of the Congressional President and the modern-day office of the President of the United States (see below).
While all of the delegates to the congress are worthy of note, two have gained a unique place in the consciousness of many Americans. John Hancock was president when the Declaration of Independence was adopted and signed. His large and bold signature on the declaration has led to his name becoming an slang term for a signature. John Hanson has sometimes (incorrectly) been called the First President of the United States, for his service as the President of the congress.
1 List of Presidents
The following men served as the President of the Continental Congress:
- Peyton Randolph ( September 5, 1774 - October 21, 1774) and
- Henry Middleton ( October 22October 22 is the 295th day of the year (296th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 70 days remaining. Events 362 The temple of Apollo at Daphne, outside of Antioch is destroyed in a mysterious fire. 1383 The 1383-1385 Crisis in Portugal: A peri, 1774 - October 26October 26 is the 299th day of the year (300th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 66 days remaining. Events 740 An earthquake strikes Constantinople, causing much damage and death. 1640 The Treaty of Ripon is signed, restoring peace between Sc, 1774)
- Peyton Randolph (again) ( May 10May 10 is the 130th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (131st in leap years). There are 235 days remaining. Events 1291 Scottish nobles recognize the authority of King Edward I of England. 1497 Amerigo Vespucci allegedly leaves Cadiz for his first, 1775Events February 9 American Revolutionary War: British Parliament declares Massachusetts in rebellion March 23 American Revolutionary War: Patrick Henry delivers his speech " give me liberty or give me death" in Williamsburg, Virginia. April 14 American Re - May 23May 23 is the 143rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (144th in leap years). There are 222 days remaining. Events 1430 Joan of Arc is captured by the Burgundians while leading an army to relieve Compiegne 1498 Girolamo Savonarola is executed on th, 1775Events February 9 American Revolutionary War: British Parliament declares Massachusetts in rebellion March 23 American Revolutionary War: Patrick Henry delivers his speech " give me liberty or give me death" in Williamsburg, Virginia. April 14 American Re)
- John Hancock ( May 24, 1775 - October 30, 1777)
- Henry Laurens ( November 1, 1777 - December 9, 1778)
- John Jay ( December 10, 1778 - September 27, 1779)
- Samuel Huntington ( September 28, 1779 - February 28, 1781)
The following men served as President of the United States in Congress Assembled:
- Samuel Huntington ( March 1, 1781 - July 6, 1781)
- Thomas McKean ( July 10, 1781 to November 4, 1781)
- John Hanson ( November 5, 1781 to November 4, 1782)
- Elias Boudinot ( November 4, 1782 to November 3, 1783)
- Thomas Mifflin ( November 3, 1783 to June 3, 1784)
- Richard Henry Lee ( November 30, 1784 to November 23, 1785)
- John Hancock ( November 23, 1785 to June 6, 1786)
- Nathaniel Gorham ( June 6, 1786 to November 13, 1786)
- Arthur St. Clair ( February 2, 1787 to October 29, 1787)
- Cyrus Griffin ( January 22, 1788 to March 4, 1789)
†On March 1, 1781 the title of the office changed, but Samuel Huntington remained in the chair.
