John Hanson (1721- 1783) becomes president of the Confederation Congress after Maryland ratifies the Articles of Confederation, the first U.S. Constitution. Although the original presidency is largely honorary since legislative and executive duties are lodged in the Congress, Hanson serves a single year term eight years before Washington becomes president under a new constitution.
John Hanson is born in Port Tobacco to an affluent, enslaving plantation family. First serving as Charles County Sheriff in 1750, he holds many public offices and becomes one of the leaders of Maryland’s growing rebellion against British rule.
Moving to Frederick County in 1769, Hanson becomes a major local leader in the patriotic cause. Through his efforts, the first southern troops are sent to Washington’s army in Boston and he leads a “Committee of Observation” to prepare the local community for war.
He is elected to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia in 1781 and becomes its first full term president after Maryland is the last state to ratify the Articles of Confederation in 1781.
A statue of Hanson is in the Halls of Congress and a memorial is in downtown Frederick near the courthouse.
