United States President under the Articles of Confederation. He served as the first full term President of the United States under the fully ratified Articles of Confederation. Maryland, the 13th State, approved the Articles shortly before his election. He served in that office from November 5, 1781 to November 4, 1782. In additon to presiding over the Congress, he was also responsible for the executive office of the nation. His official title was “President of the United States in Congress Assembled." His presidency saw the removal of foreign troops, the establishment of the first consular service, a post office department, and a chartered National Bank. President Hanson also established the first Treasury Department, the first Secretary of War, and the first Foreign Affairs Department. He suggested Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday in November. He was influential in the approval of the great seal of the United States. His presidency also included planning for a national census as well as the adoption of a system for universal coinage. Hanson was a descendant of Swedish settlers. From 1757 to 1773, he served in the Maryland House of Delegates, and Maryland State Senate. In 1774, he served as a Delegate to the General Congress at Annapolis. He served as Frederick County, MD treasurer in 1775. That same year he became a member of the Maryland Convention. He was a signer of the Articles of Confederation of the United States. He was a member of the Continental Congress from 1780 through 1782. In 1747, he was married to Jane Contee (1728-1812). They had five children.

United States President under the Articles of Confederation. He served as the first full term President of the United States under the fully ratified Articles of Confederation. Maryland, the 13th State, approved the Articles shortly before his election. He served in that office from November 5, 1781 to November 4, 1782. In additon to presiding over the Congress, he was also responsible for the executive office of the nation. His official title was “President of the United States in Congress Assembled." His presidency saw the removal of foreign troops, the establishment of the first consular service, a post office department, and a chartered National Bank. President Hanson also established the first Treasury Department, the first Secretary of War, and the first Foreign Affairs Department. He suggested Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday in November. He was influential in the approval of the great seal of the United States. His presidency also included planning for a national census as well as the adoption of a system for universal coinage. Hanson was a descendant of Swedish settlers. From 1757 to 1773, he served in the Maryland House of Delegates, and Maryland State Senate. In 1774, he served as a Delegate to the General Congress at Annapolis. He served as Frederick County, MD treasurer in 1775. That same year he became a member of the Maryland Convention. He was a signer of the Articles of Confederation of the United States. He was a member of the Continental Congress from 1780 through 1782. In 1747, he was married to Jane Contee (1728-1812). They had five children.

Bio by: Steve Corley