23 American History Questions Most Americans Get Wrong

23. Who was the first President of the United States?

Correct: Peyton Randolph
Incorrect: George Washington

George Washington was the first elected president of the nation. But he was by no means the first president of the country. Peyton Randolph was the first (and third) president of the Continental Congress during the Revolutionary War of 1775. Thomas Mifflin, an aide to Washington during the war, served as president in 1783 and ratified the Treaty of Paris.

Additionally, John Hancock holds the distinction of serving the most time as president of the Continental Congress. Over two separate terms — fourth and thirteenth— he served more than 1,000 days in the role. Therefore, more than a dozen presidents were here before George Washington took office.