You’ve probably seen it on social media or in a chain email. A grainy, black-and-white photograph of a distinguished Black man in a suit, usually accompanied by a caption claiming he was the "true" first President of the United States. It's a compelling story. It suggests a massive historical cover-up, a lost chapter of American history that schools refuse to teach.
The problem? That picture of John Hanson isn't who people think it is. Honestly, the real story is a mix of bad timing, shared names, and the literal invention of the camera.
The Two Men Named John Hanson
To understand why the internet is so confused, you have to look at two different guys who lived almost a century apart.
First, there’s the John Hanson (1721–1783) from Maryland. He was a white merchant and a major player in the American Revolution. He served as the "President of the United States in Congress Assembled" from 1781 to 1782. This was under the Articles of Confederation, the precursor to the Constitution. Because of that title, some people argue he was the first "real" president before George Washington.
Then, there’s the man in the famous photograph. His name was also John Hanson (1791–1860).
📖 Related: Why Your Hair Trimmer for Men Wahl Choice Actually Defines Your Grooming Routine
This John Hanson was an African American man who was born into slavery in Maryland, eventually bought his freedom, and emigrated to Liberia in 1827. He became a successful politician in Africa, serving as a Senator from Grand Bassa County in the Liberian government.
Why a Photo of the First President is Impossible
Here is the simplest way to debunk the "Presidential photograph" myth: physics.
The John Hanson who served in the Continental Congress died in 1783.
The first successful photograph (the heliograph) wasn't even attempted until 1826.
The daguerreotype—the first commercially viable photo process—didn't hit the scene until 1839.
Basically, the Maryland John Hanson had been dead for over 50 years before anyone could have taken his picture. If you see a "photo" of an 18th-century Founding Father, it’s either a photo of a painting or a case of mistaken identity.
The Library of Congress Mix-up
The confusion didn't just happen by accident. It actually started at the Library of Congress.
The Library has a specific daguerreotype (Image LC-DIG-ppmsca-80108) in its collection. It’s a beautiful portrait of the Liberian Senator John Hanson, taken by the famous African American photographer Augustus Washington around 1856.
Because the digital record was simply labeled "John Hanson," people searching for the "first president" stumbled upon it. They saw the name, saw the "President" connection (confusing the Continental Congress with the Liberian Senate), and the myth was born.
What the "First" John Hanson Actually Looked Like
Since we don't have a picture of John Hanson the Revolutionary, we have to rely on 18th-century art. There are a few authentic likenesses:
- The John Hesselius Portrait: Painted in the late 1760s, this shows a younger Hanson with his hand tucked into a brown coat.
- The Charles Willson Peale Painting: Done around 1781–1782 while Hanson was actually in office. Peale was the "official" portraitist of the Revolution, so this is the most accurate version we have.
- The Bronze Statue: If you visit the U.S. Capitol, Maryland has a statue of him in the National Statuary Hall Collection, created by Richard E. Brooks in 1903.
The $2 Bill Conspiracy
Another weird piece of this puzzle involves the back of the $2 bill. You've probably heard people say there is a Black man depicted in the painting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
👉 See also: What Most People Get Wrong About Finding Good Free Dating Apps
Some claim this is John Hanson.
It isn't. The figure often pointed out is actually Robert Morris or perhaps a shadow falling on a delegate. More importantly, the real John Hanson didn't even sign the Declaration of Independence. He wasn't a member of that specific convention in 1776; he was busy raising troops and making gunlocks in Maryland at the time. He did, however, sign the Articles of Confederation.
Why This Matters Today
It’s easy to dismiss this as just another "fake news" internet thing, but it highlights how badly people want to see more diverse representation in early American history.
The Liberian John Hanson was an incredible man. He was a pioneer who helped build a new nation in West Africa. Using his photo to "prove" a conspiracy about the 1780s actually does a disservice to his real accomplishments. It overwrites his life in Liberia with a fake story about the United States.
How to spot the difference next time:
- Check the clothes: 18th-century John Hanson would be wearing a wig or powdered hair and a colonial frock coat. 19th-century John Hanson wears a Victorian-style suit and glasses.
- Check the medium: If it looks like a clear, silver-toned photograph, it’s the 1850s version. If it’s an oil painting or an etching, it’s likely the 1780s version.
- Check the source: Look for the photographer's credit. If you see "Augustus Washington," you’re looking at the Liberian Senator.
If you're interested in the actual history of the "first" presidency, you should look into the Articles of Confederation records at the National Archives. It clarifies that while Hanson held the title of President, the role was more like a "Speaker of the House" than the modern executive role George Washington eventually held.
Next time you see that picture of John Hanson on your feed, you've got the facts to set the record straight. It's not a cover-up; it's just two different men, one name, and a very poorly timed invention of the camera.