Man Believes Confederate President was Nation's First President, Wants Presidential Library Built

NORWICH, Conn. (AP) -- A local man believes the first president to serve under the Articles of Confederation -- Samuel Huntington of Norwich -- was technically the nation's first president. Now, Bill Stanley is seeking $10 million to build a presidential library for Huntington here.

Stanley, president of the Norwich Historical Society, asked the City Council on Monday night to donate $1 million from funds it expects to receive from the Mohegan American Indian Tribe, owners of Mohegan Sun casino. Stanley is also seeking funding from state and federal governments.

"Facts are on our side. History is on our side, and the first president came from Norwich, and we should have a presidential library," he said at a news conference. But Norwich Mayor Arthur Lathrop said he plans to use the $1 million from the Mohegans for downtown redevelopment, not a presidential library.

Huntington signed the Declaration of Independence and served as the state's governor from 1786 until his death in 1796. The Articles of Confederation were replaced by the U.S. Constitution in 1789.

©2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.