George Washington’s State of the Union

The first President of the United States, George Washington, delivered the first state of the union address in 1790.

As the young country continued to learn the best way to govern, George Washington delivered the first state of the union address. At this time, Washington gave the speech in New York City.

Fearing of looking too kingly, some presidents sent letters. The letters included their yearly check-in and the plan of administration by the Executive Branch. It took until 1913 for the President to continue to give his address directly to Congress.