What do you call the man who had the awkward task of being America’s very first “second-in-command”? George Washington’s vice president may not be as famous as the general-turned-president, but his role was historic—and surprisingly complicated.
The answer might seem obvious once you hear it, but the story of who he was (and how he handled the job) is far more interesting than most people expect.
The First Second-in-Command
The man who served as George Washington’s vice president was John Adams. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because he later became the second President of the United States. But before his turn in the top job, Adams spent eight years (1789–1797) in the brand-new, somewhat undefined role of vice president.
At the time, no one really knew what the vice president was supposed to do. The Constitution gave Adams only one clear job: preside over the Senate and cast tie-breaking votes. Beyond that? Not much. He was essentially stuck waiting on the sidelines while Washington got all the glory.
John Adams: A Revolutionary Firebrand
John Adams wasn’t just a background character in American history. Long before standing next to Washington, Adams was already a revolutionary heavyweight.
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He helped draft the Declaration of Independence alongside Thomas Jefferson.
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He defended British soldiers in court after the Boston Massacre—a bold move that showed his belief in the rule of law, even for enemies.
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He served as a diplomat in Europe, securing crucial loans and alliances during the Revolutionary War.
By the time he became vice president, Adams had an impressive résumé. Yet the position left him feeling underused and, frankly, frustrated.
The “Most Insignificant Office”
Adams himself once described the vice presidency as “the most insignificant office that ever the invention of man contrived.” Harsh words, but understandable.
Washington was a towering figure, universally respected, while Adams had to watch from the shadows. In the Senate, he did cast a record 29 tie-breaking votes, shaping early debates on issues like presidential powers and the location of the nation’s capital. Still, he often felt more like a referee than a leader.
This tension showed something bigger: the American system was still an experiment, and even the Founding Fathers were figuring it out as they went.
A Job That Came with Nicknames
One of Adams’s quirks as vice president was his obsession with titles. He thought the president should be addressed with a formal, almost royal-sounding name like “His Highness.” Others disagreed, fearing it sounded too much like monarchy.
This earned Adams some teasing from his colleagues, who jokingly called him “His Rotundity”—a playful jab at both his formality and his stocky build.
It’s a reminder that even in the early days of American politics, leaders had to balance dignity with the democratic spirit.
From Vice President to President
Serving as George Washington’s vice president wasn’t Adams’s final act. In 1796, he ran for president and narrowly defeated Thomas Jefferson. This made him the first U.S. president to take office after Washington.
Interestingly, under the rules at the time, Jefferson (who came in second place) became Adams’s vice president. Yes, political rivals sharing the top two jobs—it made for some awkward dynamics.
Adams’s presidency was marked by challenges like the Quasi-War with France and the controversial Alien and Sedition Acts. Though not as beloved as Washington, Adams played a crucial role in shaping the presidency.
5 Surprising Facts About John Adams as Vice President
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Record Breaker: He still holds the record for most tie-breaking votes cast in the Senate.
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Awkward Relationship: Washington respected Adams but rarely sought his advice, leaving him feeling sidelined.
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Early Feminist Influence: His wife, Abigail Adams, pushed him to “remember the ladies” when drafting laws—though he didn’t act on it.
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Unpopular at the Time: Adams’s strict and blunt personality often rubbed people the wrong way.
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Historic Friendship: After years of rivalry with Thomas Jefferson, the two reconciled late in life and died on the same day—July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Who Was George Washington's Vice President?
When you strip it down to the simple answer: it was John Adams. But when you dig deeper, you see a man stuck in an experimental role, constantly searching for purpose while history unfolded around him.
The job of vice president would eventually grow into something much more powerful, but in Adams’s time, it was a seat filled with equal parts influence and frustration.
Personal Insight
I’ve always found John Adams fascinating because he feels so human compared to Washington. Washington is often portrayed as larger than life, while Adams comes across as fiery, insecure, and sometimes even petty—but also deeply committed to the country. If I had to choose someone to have a heated dinner conversation with from that era, Adams would be my pick.
Conclusion
So, who was George Washington’s vice president? It was John Adams—the outspoken revolutionary who found himself in the awkward position of being America’s first second-in-command. Though he often felt overshadowed, his years as vice president helped set important precedents for the office.
Do you think you’d have the patience to be vice president in Adams’s shoes, or would you have pushed harder to grab the spotlight?