John Hanson

Hey history buffs! I was just doing some digging into forgotten American figures, and I came across something wild that many of you might have heard about: the claim that John Hanson was actually the first Black president of the United States, even before George Washington! My jaw literally dropped when I saw this circulating, especially with details like him signing the Articles of Confederation in 1781, years before Washington took office in 1789. And get this – some even say his face is on the back of the two-dollar bill! I was so intrigued, I had to dive deeper. So, what's the real story behind John Hanson and this 'first Black president' claim? It turns out, John Hanson did hold a very important role. He was elected 'President of the United States in Congress Assembled' under the Articles of Confederation on November 5, 1781. This was a significant position, essentially presiding over the Continental Congress, acting as a ceremonial head of state for a year. However, it wasn't the same executive role as the later U.S. presidency established by the Constitution in 1787 and first held by George Washington in 1789. So, while he was a 'president' in a sense, he wasn't the President of the United States as we understand the term today, with executive powers. Now, about the 'Black president' part – this is where it gets really interesting, and a bit of a historical mystery for many. The idea that John Hanson was Black seems to have gained traction through various misunderstandings and, unfortunately, some deliberate hoaxes over time. Historically, John Hanson is documented as being of European descent, from a family with Swedish and English roots. There's no credible historical evidence to suggest he was Black. This claim often comes up in discussions about overlooked Black figures in history, and while it's incredibly important to shine a light on actual contributions and challenges to historical narratives, this specific claim about Hanson appears to be a persistent myth. It's a powerful story, though, and it really makes you wonder about the narratives we're taught and the power of misinformation! And that two-dollar bill connection? Well, unfortunately, that's another fascinating misconception! While the two-dollar bill does feature a historical image on its reverse, it's not John Hanson. It traditionally depicts a rendition of John Trumbull's painting, *Declaration of Independence*. So, if you're ever looking at a two-dollar bill, you won't find John Hanson's face there. Even though the 'first Black president' claim about John Hanson might not be historically accurate, his story still highlights a crucial period in American history – the years under the Articles of Confederation before the Constitution. It also shows us how important it is to question and explore historical narratives, especially when trying to uncover hidden histories or give credit where it's due. It's a great reminder to always dig into the facts, even when a story sounds incredibly compelling. It makes you think about all the lesser-known figures who played a part in shaping our nation. What are your thoughts on these historical claims? Have you heard this before?