We The People: This Day in History, November 15
John Hanson, the First President of the Continental Congress, dies
Published: Nov. 12, 2025 at 11:09 AM CST|Updated: Nov. 15, 2025 at 8:09 AM CST
Maryland (KWTX) - On November 15, 1783, John Hanson, the first president of the Continental Congress under the Articles of Confederation, died in his home state of Maryland.
Hanson became one of the strongest colonial advocates of independence.
While serving in the Maryland Assembly from 1757 to 1773, he was active in raising troops and providing arms.
From 1781 to 1782, he was “President of the United States in Congress Assembled” under the Articles of Confederation.
As the presiding officer of Congress, Hanson was responsible for initiating a number of programs that helped America gain a world position.
Hanson died at the age of 68
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