The fifth President of the United Federation of Planets, Jonathan Archer was one of the most important historical figures of the 22nd Century and in all of interstellar history. Born in upstate New York to famed warp specialist Henry Archer and his wife, Sally, Jonathan was appointed captain of Starfleet's first warp five starship, Enterprise NX-01 in 2161; his leadership aboard Enterprise would help establish United Earth as a legitimate interstellar power and pave the way for a wholescale revolution in Alpha Quadrant politics, leading to the establishment of the United Federation of Planets. As an explorer and peacemaker, his name is among the most recognized in the Federation, and his pioneering voyages aboard the Enterprise are known to school children on dozens of worlds, many of which were unknown to humans in Archer's lifetime. Historian John Gill called Archer the "greatest explorer of the 22nd Century."
Captain of Enterprise
Archer IV, which orbits 61 Ursae Majoris was the first M-Class world charted by the famous explorer. Although the planet was uninhabitable throughout the 22nd Century due to toxic pollen in the atmosphere, an antidote to the pollen was discovered early in the 2200's. (ENT episode: "Strange New World") Today, the population of Archer IV numbers more than seven hundred million.
Archer earned an impressive list of commendations during his career, including a Medal of Valor, with clusters, the Star Cross, the Preantares Ribbon of Commendation, and the Federation Citation of Honor. Archer was also appointed an honorary member of the Andorian Guard by General Thy’lek Shran in 2164. He’s the only human to have two planets named in his honor: Archer’s Planet in the Gamma Trianguli sector, and Archer VI as mentioned above.
Later Life
After retiring from Starfleet as Chief of Staff, Archer continued working to improve interspecies relations as Ambassador to Andoria from 2169 to 2175, when he was elected to the position of Federation Councilman. Later he became Federation President 2184-2192.
Archer died peacefully in his home in upstate New York in the year 2245, exactly one day after attending the christening ceremony of the first Federation Starship named in honor of his vessel, Enterprise, NCC-1701. (ENT episode: "In a Mirror, Darkly," part 2)
- Presumably, as the Federation became an integrated nation-state, the need for a Federation Ambassador to one of its own Members later ended and the position later abolished. The presidential succession box follows a conjectural timeline whereby Archer is the fifth president, serving two terms. His predecessor, Avaranthi sh'Rothress, is presumed to have left office one year early, prompting Archer's ascension to the office of the presidency, to account for his term begining on what would otherwise have been an election year.
| Preceded by: Unspecified |
Federation Ambassador to Andoria 2169–2175 |
Succeeded by: Unspecified |
| Preceded by: Unspecified |
Federation Council Representative for United Earth 2175–2184 |
Succeeded by: Unspecified |
| Preceded by: Avaranthi sh'Rothress |
President of the United Federation of Planets 2184 – 2192 |
Succeeded by: Unspecified |
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