America 250: The 14 Founding Fathers who held the title of President before George Washington

George Washington became the first President of the United States in 1789, but 14 men held the title of President of Congress before him.

The story begins in 1774 at Philadelphia's Carpenters Hall, where the First Continental Congress met to coordinate a response to the British King and Parliament after the Boston Tea Party and the imposition of what were known as the Intolerable Acts.

At the time, the colonists still identified themselves as British citizens and Pennsylvanians or Delawareans or New Jerseyans, rather than as Americans.

As representatives of the colonies gathered to debate strategy, they needed somebody to preside over meetings, receive foreign dignitaries and sign official documents.

Those men were given the title President of Congress.

Peyton Randolph was the first, followed by leaders including John Hancock, made famous by his bold signature on the Declaration of Independence, and John Jay.

John Jay would go on to become the first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court under George Washington.

In all, 14 men served as President of Congress before the Constitution defined the executive powers of the presidency and the Electoral College unanimously chose George Washington as the nation's first President.

Letters, signatures and other documents in the archives of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania help tell their stories.

Visitors can also explore a free exhibit covering the decade before and after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Historic Philadelphia, Inc and Carpenters Hall also partner on Cocktails & Congress, an opportunity to listen in on some of the issues being debated during that first Continental Congress.

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Carpenter's Hall , 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19106