戰爭結束後，華盛頓希望能自軍中退休並返回弗農山莊；然而，1789年時，全體選舉人一致通過並決定由喬治華盛頓來擔任美國的第一位總統。因為此為無上榮耀而且他也覺得他對他的國家負有重大的義務及責任，因此決定接任此一職務。他於4月16日離開弗農山莊並於4月30日抵達於紐約市的就職典禮。當他站在聯邦大廳的陽台上宣誓時，群眾開始歡呼。他的第一任內閣成員包括擔任國務卿的湯瑪斯傑弗遜、財政部長亞歷山大漢密爾頓、作戰部長亨利諾克斯及司法部長艾德蒙倫道夫。
　

After the war was over, Washington hoped he would be able to retire and return to Mount Vernon. Instead, in 1789, the electors unanimously voted George Washington the first president of the United States. Because it was such an honor, and he felt a great duty to his country, he accepted. He left Mount Vernon on April 16 and arrived in New York City on April 30 for his inauguration. As he took his oath standing on the balcony of Federal Hall, a crowd broke into cheers. The members of his first Cabinet included Thomas Jefferson as secretary of state, Alexander Hamilton as secretary of the treasury, Henry Knox as secretary of war, and Edmund Randolph as attorney general.

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