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Presidential Inaugurations

Gallery

  • Presidential Inaugurations - Photo 1

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    The first presidential inauguration took place at Federal Hall, New York.

    Library of Congress
  • Inauguration of President James Buchanan

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    Inauguration of James Buchanan, President of the United States, at the East Front of the U.S. Capitol on March 4, 1857.

    Library of Congress
  • Inauguration of President Ulysses S. Grant

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    President Ulysses S. Grant delivering his inaugural address on the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol, March 4, 1873.

    Library of Congress
  • Harpers Weekly Cover of Cleveland and Arthur

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    President 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 Association
  • Presidential Inaugurations - Photo 3

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    More than 200,000 spectators witnessed the inauguration of Theodore Roosevelt in March 1905.

    Library of Congress
  • Taft with Edward Stellwagen at his inauguration

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    The Inauguration of President William Howard Taft on March 4, 1909 was hindered by a severe blizzard.

    Library of Congress
  • Inaugural Parade

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    President 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 Congress
  • Presidential Inaugurations - Photo 2

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    President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented third inauguration on January 20, 1941.

    Library of Congress
  • Crowds at the Inauguration of Harry S. Truman - January 20, 1949

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    President 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 Congress
  • The Swearing In of Richard Nixon on January 20, 1969

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    Supreme 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 Congress
  • Inauguration of Ronald Reagan - January 20, 1981

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    Since 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 Congress
  • Presidential Inaugurations - Photo 6

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    Supreme 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.

    William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum/Library of Congress
  • President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama walk the Inaugural Parade Route

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    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 Congress
  • Trump Inauguration

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    President 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 House

About 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.

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