Forgotten Presidents: America's Leaders Before George Washington

Who was the first president of the United States? Any school-child will readily tell you "George Washington, " which would be wrong -- at least technically.Washington was not inaugurated until April 30, 1789. And yet the United States had continuously functioning governments from as early as September 5, 1774. During the nearly fifteen years that followed, Congress was always moderated by a duly elected president. As chief executive officer of the government of the United States, the president was recognized as the head of state. Thus Washington was the sixteenth in a long line of distinguished presidents.

Forgotten Presidents is a delightful look at the founding era of our nation's history. In it we are introduced to one of the most remarkable epochs in our history and one of the most vital aspects of our legacy as a nation.

The first two presidents -- Peyton Randolph of Virginia and Henry Middleton of South Carolina -- served prior to the Declaration of Independence. The next six -- John Hancock of Massachusetts, Henry Laurens of South Carolina, John Jay of New York, Samuel Huntington of Connecticut, Samuel Johnson of North Carolina, and Thomas McKean of Delaware -- served between the time of the Declaration and ratification of the first constitution. The final seven -- John Hanson of Maryland, Elias Budinot of New Jersey, Thomas Mifflin of Pennsylvania, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia, Nathaniel Gorham of Massachusetts, Arthur St. Clair of Pennsylvania, and Cyrus Griffin of Virginia -- served under the Articles of Confederation prior to the second national constitution.

Each of these remarkable men led amazing lives of adventure, valor, and sacrifice. They founded our nation,declared independence, directed a seemingly hopeless war effort, forged the foundations for constitutional liberty, and ultimately defeated the greatest military power on earth. And now, thanks to this book, their stories are retold for a whole new generation of readers.