President of the Congress under the Articles of Confederation following American independence. He served as the first President under the fully ratified Articles of Confederation. Some historians and biographers have argued that this role made him the first President of the United States, although his role was largely ceremonial, with no salary, no executive or diplomatic authority, and no power of appointment. Maryland, the 13th State, approved the Articles shortly before his election. His official title was "President of the United States in Congress Assembled." He served in that office from November 5, 1781 to November 4, 1782. 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.