Presidential Inaugurations
Read Digital EditionForeword, William SealeTaking the Oath of Office: The Capitol Connection, Donald R. Kennon"Not a Ragged Mob": The...
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The first presidential inauguration took place at Federal Hall, New York.
Library of CongressInauguration of James Buchanan, President of the United States, at the East Front of the U.S. Capitol on March 4, 1857.
Library of CongressPresident Ulysses S. Grant delivering his inaugural address on the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol, March 4, 1873.
Library of CongressPresident Chester Arthur accompanies President-elect Grover Cleveland from the White House to the inauguration, March Cover of Harper's Weekly, March 15 1885.
White House Historical AssociationMore than 200,000 spectators witnessed the inauguration of Theodore Roosevelt in March 1905.
Library of CongressThe Inauguration of President William Howard Taft on March 4, 1909 was hindered by a severe blizzard.
Library of CongressPresident Calvin Coolidge rides in a convertible automobile escorted by a mounted honor guard and cavalry escort adding to the pageantry of his Inaugural Parade, March 4, 1925.
Library of CongressPresident Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented third inauguration on January 20, 1941.
Library of CongressPresident Harry S. Truman's inauguration on January 20, 1949, was the first televised inauguration in the United States.
Architect of the Capitol, Courtesy of the Library of CongressSupreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren administering the oath of office to Richard M. Nixon on the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol, January 20, 1969.
Architect of the Capitol photo courtesy of the Library of CongressSince the 1981 inauguration of Ronald Reagan, the inaugural stand has been set up on the West Front of the Capitol instead of the East Front.
Architect of the Capitol photo courtesy of the Library of CongressSupreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist administering the oath of office to William J. Clinton on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol, January 20, 1993.
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama walk in front of the Presidential limousine on Pennsylvania Avenue at 15th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., during the Inaugural Parade on January 20, 2009.
Library of CongressPresident Donald Trump being sworn in on January 20, 2017 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. He holds his left hand on two versions of the Bible, one childhood Bible given to him by his mother, along with Abraham Lincoln's Bible.
Courtesy of the White HouseAbout this Gallery
Presidents have celebrated in many ways since George Washington danced the minuet with his beloved at his inauguration. Since that time, such activities have been broadened to include a cross-section of the American population. Receptions, balls, and other public events reflect the president’s need to include many diverse groups in the transition of power, even, at times, officially sanctioned protesters. More than a celebration of one person’s rise to power, modern inaugurations validate the republic’s democratic processes.
Read Digital EditionForeword, William SealeTaking the Oath of Office: The Capitol Connection, Donald R. Kennon"Not a Ragged Mob": The...
In April 1789, George Washington took the oath of office in New York City. Constitutional guidelines for inaugurations are sparse, offering...
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On April 30, 1789, George Washington took the oath of office in New York City. Later he said of this new presidential...
Thomas Jefferson’s 1801 inaugural, the first held in the city of Washington, bore little resemblance to modern extravaganzas. Avoiding monarchical to...
A reviewing stand is usually constructed for the use of the president during the inaugural parade, the necessity arising as...