Every four years, the United States swears in the incoming president with a ceremony steeped in tradition, history, and pageantry. The presidential inauguration is not just a power transfer but a moment reflecting the nation's resilience, unity, and continuity. Over the years, this ceremony has featured memorable, quirky, and sometimes downright astonishing moments. Let's dive into some fun facts about presidential inaugurations!
1. The First Inauguration
The very first inauguration took place on April 30, 1789, when George Washington was sworn in as the first president of the United States. The ceremony was held in New York City, the nation's capital at the time, on the balcony of Federal Hall. Washington, known for his humility, reportedly trembled with nervousness as he took the oath of office.
2. The Coldest and Warmest Inaugurations
Inaugurations were held in March until 1933. During Ulysses S. Grant's 1873 inauguration, a snowstorm blanketed Washington, D.C., and canaries, meant to provide cheerful ambiance at the inaugural ball, reportedly froze along with the food. In 2009, Barack Obama's inauguration saw one of the largest crowds in history, despite a frigid noon temperature of 28 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ronald Reagan holds the record for the coldest and warmest inaugurations. His second, on January 21, 1985, was the coldest, with a noon temperature of 7 degrees Fahrenheit; as a result, the ceremony was moved indoors, and the parade was canceled.
On the other end of the spectrum, Reagan's first inauguration in 1981 was the warmest, falling on a traditional date. The temperature in Washington, D.C., soared to a balmy 55 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a relatively comfortable day for the ceremony.
3. The Longest and Shortest Inaugural Address
While Harrison's speech holds the record for length at 8,460 words, the speech took nearly two hours to deliver. George Washington's second inaugural address in 1793 was the shortest ever. It consisted of just 135 words.
4. Unusual Venues
Although most inaugurations occur at the U.S. Capitol, there have been exceptions. After the sudden death of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945, Harry S. Truman took the oath in the White House. During such "extraordinary inaugurations," locations have varied wildly: Calvin Coolidge was sworn in by his father, a notary public and justice of the peace, at the family home in Vermont after President Warren G. Harding died in 1923. Lyndon B. Johnson's 1963 swearing-in took place aboard Air Force One following John F. Kennedy's assassination--the only time the oath was administered on an airplane.
5. Inaugural Balls
The tradition of inaugural balls began with James Madison's inauguration in 1809. His wife, Dolley Madison, hosted the first official ball, which set the standard for future celebrations. Today, inaugural balls are grand affairs, often with multiple events across Washington, D.C.
6. The "Bible" Tradition
Most presidents choose to swear the oath on a Bible, often one with personal or historical significance. Abraham Lincoln's Bible, used at his first inauguration in 1861, has been used by several presidents, including Barack Obama in both 2009 and 2013. However, not all presidents use a Bible. John Quincy Adams opted to swear on a book of law to signify his commitment to upholding the Constitution.
7. Technological Firsts
Technology has transformed inaugurations over the years. James Buchanan's 1857 inauguration was the first to be photographed. William McKinley's in 1897 was the first to be recorded on film. Calvin Coolidge's 1925 ceremony was the first broadcast nationally on radio, and Harry Truman's 1949 inauguration was the first televised. Bill Clinton's second inauguration, in 1997, became the first to be broadcast live online, reaching a global audience.
8. Flubbed Oaths
Administering the oath doesn't always go smoothly. In 2009, Chief Justice John Roberts and President Barack Obama stumbled over the wording of the oath, leading Obama to retake it the next day to ensure constitutional compliance. It was a reminder that even high-stakes moments can have human errors.
Presidential inaugurations are a blend of solemnity, tradition, and celebration. They mark the peaceful transition of power--a cornerstone of American democracy. As we look forward to the upcoming inauguration, these historical tidbits remind us of the rich tapestry of events that have shaped this rite of passage for our nation.
