Podcast White House Builder James Hoban’s Irish Roots
Over 200 years ago, James Hoban left Ireland for America to pursue his dream of becoming an architect. Selected by President...
Main Content
President Abraham Lincoln delivered his second inaugural address, March 4, 1865, near the end of the Civil War.
George Washington delivered the first inaugural address, invoking God’s guidance, demurring about his qualifications for presidential tasks, and declaring his intention to accept no salary -- save expenses -- while serving. It was Washington who in 1793 gave the shortest inaugural address of 135 words, while William Henry Harrison’s 1841 speech, lasting almost two hours, was the longest at 8,455 words.
Inaugural speeches set the tone for the incoming administration. Sometimes they are intended to persuade, as when Abraham Lincoln in 1861 urged the seceding southern states to avoid war, or to heal and reconcile, as when he stated his policy toward the defeated Confederacy in 1865, promising "malice toward none" and "charity for all."
Some presidents have spoken directly to the nation’s concerns. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1933 inaugural assertion, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself," allayed the panic of a people gripped by the Great Depression. John F. Kennedy’s 1961 challenge — "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country" — sent an idealistic message, calling for change and sacrifice.
Usually bipartisan and unifying, the inaugural address gives the president a first "center stage" opportunity to introduce his vision to the nation and the world.
This photograph is of President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivering his First Inaugural Address in Washington, D.C. on March 4, 1933.
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum/NARAOver 200 years ago, James Hoban left Ireland for America to pursue his dream of becoming an architect. Selected by President...
From First Lady Dolley Madison's sister Lucy Payne Washington's wedding in 1812 to the nuptials of President Joseph Biden and First...
Thousands of people traverse historic Lafayette Park every day to get a glimpse of the White House. The park, right...
Since 1965, the White House Historical Association has been proud to fund the official portraits of our presidents and first ladies,...
Since the laying of the cornerstone in 1792, Freemasons have played an important role in the construction and the history of...
In 1821-1822, Susan Decatur requested the construction of a service wing. The first floor featured a large kitchen, dining room,...
Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament....
Native Americans hold a significant place in White House history. For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples, including the Nacotchtank and...
Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament....
Honoring some of the greatest moments in sports history has become a tradition at the White House. Presidents and their...
Wine has a long and important history in the White House, playing a unique role in entertaining, public ceremonies, and...
Since the James Madison presidency, St. John’s Church has been an important part of the life of Lafayette Square an...