George Washington’s First Annual Message

On January 8, 1790, President George Washington delivered his first annual message to Congress at Federal Hall in New York City. With this speech, Washington established the precedent of delivering a formal address to Congress to report on the state of the Union.

He praised the accomplishments of the First Congress and gave a brief overview of his administration’s agenda. The President emphasized the need to provide for the common defense; establish uniform systems of currency, weights, and measures; and promote education.

In celebration of the 225th anniversary of the First Congress, the first Journal of the House of Representatives was on display in the National Archives in Washington, DC, showing the final page of George Washington’s State of the Union speech. The image shown below is a page from the Records of the U.S. Senate, recording the same speech.

Learn more about this speech, and the evolution of this “State of the Union” tradition.

Past Featured Records

Spymaster-in-Chief: George Washington’s Wartime Espionage
During the Revolutionary War, a large network of colonial spies worked in secret to disrupt British forces. When George Washington took command of the Continental Army in July 1775, he strengthened intelligence efforts by planting false information and writing coded letters to gain an edge over the larger and more experienced British Army. Washington’s account book of wartime spending reveals information about these secret operations.
Snapshots of Service: The 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Navy
The U.S. Navy’s long history began on October 13, 1775, when the Continental Congress authorized ships to intercept British transports as war intensified. While the Navy’s early years are preserved in muster rolls, deck logs, and service records, the Civil War saw photography more candidly capture life in the service.
Constitution Day: The Full U.S. Constitution
Now Extended! On display 9/16/25 – 10/9/25 For the first time in history, the entire United States Constitution is on display, celebrating 250 years of American Freedom. In celebration of 250 years of American Freedom, the entire U.S. Constitution and the original Bill of Rights is surrounded by 17 Constitutional amendments, filling the Rotunda at the National Archives in ...
80 Years Since the End of World War II
World War II, the deadliest military conflict in history, ended six years and one day after the war erupted in Europe. On September 2, 1945, just four months after Nazi Germany’s surrender, Japanese officials issued an imperial order and signed a formal surrender ending hostilities in the Pacific Theater.
To the Polls: 60 Years of the Voting Rights Act
In the 1960s, voting rights were at the forefront of many Americans’ minds. Nearly 100 years had passed since the 15th Amendment outlawed voting restrictions “on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” But threats of violence, literacy tests, and extra fees still prevented many Black voters from exercising their constitutional right at the polls.