From the time of its first organization as a village, on February 7, 1781, until its incorporation as a city, it was governed by a board of trustees.

At the time when its growth and commercial importance demanded the change of its government, it was chartered by the state legislature into a city of five wards and placed under the government of a mayor and city council, the latter being composed of ten members, two from each ward.

The early mayor was relatively weak, acting mostly as a Justice of the Peace, serving a one-year term, and lacking a vote on the City Council except to break ties.

A change to the charter in 1838 allowed for direct election of a mayor, extended the term to three years, and prevented incumbents from running for re-election.

In the early 20th century, corruption and political machines were rampant, causing mayors of both parties to be removed from office by courts.