Isabella Carter
The first inauguration under the US Constitution took place on April 30, 1789, when George Washington took the oath of office on a balcony of Federal Hall in New York City, which was then the temporary capital of the US. The ceremony was postponed from March 4, 1789, due to logistical delays, as congressional members were delayed in arriving in New York City. Since 1981, presidents have typically taken the oath on the West Front of the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., which is also where Thomas Jefferson took the oath in 1801.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 30 April 1789 |
| President | George Washington |
| Location | Federal Hall, New York City |
| Oath | "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." |
| Chief Justice | One of 17 to date |
| Vice President | John Adams |
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What You'll Learn
George Washington's first inauguration
Washington arrived at Murray's Wharf, where he was greeted by New York Governor George Clinton, other congressmen, and citizens. He then proceeded through the streets to his new official residence at 3 Cherry Street. A crowd had gathered at Washington's home since early morning, and at noon, they made their way to Federal Hall. Washington dressed in an American-made dark brown suit with white silk stockings and silver shoe buckles. He also wore a steel-hilted sword and a dark red overcoat.
Upon his arrival at Federal Hall, Washington was formally introduced to the House and Senate, after which Vice President John Adams announced that it was time for the inauguration. Washington then moved to the second-floor balcony, where Chancellor of New York Robert Livingston administered the presidential oath of office in view of the throngs of people gathered on the streets. The Bible used in the ceremony was from St. John's Lodge No. 1, and it was opened at random to Genesis 49:13 ("Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for a haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon").
After reciting the oath, Washington added the words "so help me God." Livingston then shouted, "Long live George Washington, President of the United States!" to the crowd, which was replied to with cheers and a 13-gun salute. Washington's inaugural address, the first of its kind, ran 1,419 words in length. In it, he discussed his refusal to take a salary while in office, a stance that did not become a common part of subsequent inaugural addresses.
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The oath of office
The first inauguration under the Constitution took place on April 30, 1789, when George Washington took the oath of office. Washington's inauguration was delayed due to logistical issues, as the original date was set for March 4, 1789, the date that the federal government began operations under the US Constitution.
> I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
According to Washington Irving's biography of George Washington, after reciting the oath, Washington added the words "so help me God". This tradition has been continued by many presidents since, although it is not a constitutional requirement.
Since 1789, the oath has been administered at 60 scheduled public inaugurations, by 15 chief justices, one associate justice, and one New York state judge. The chief justice of the United States typically administers the oath, although this is not a constitutional requirement. The vice president-elect takes the same oath, which has been in use since 1884.
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Inauguration Day
Since 1789, there have been 60 scheduled public inaugurations, with nine additional ceremonies marking the start of a partial presidential term following the intra-term death or resignation of an incumbent president. The presidential oath of office is the only component mandated by the United States Constitution, and it has been taken 74 times by 45 people as of 2025. The oath is typically administered by the Chief Justice of the United States, although this is not a constitutional requirement.
The location of the inaugural oath has varied over the years, with inaugurations taking place in different locations across the nation's capital. Since 1981, the ceremony has typically been held at the West Front of the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., facing the National Mall. This setting symbolises America's commitment to democracy and the peaceful transfer of power. Prior to 1981, inaugurations were often held at various locations within the Capitol complex, including the Old Senate Chamber, the chamber of the House of Representatives, and the Capitol rotunda.
The specific date and time of Inauguration Day have evolved over the years. From 1789 to 1933, inaugurations typically occurred on March 4, with some exceptions when it fell on a Sunday, in which case the public ceremony was postponed until the following Monday. In 1933, the 20th Amendment to the Constitution was passed, establishing that a president's term begins at noon on January 20. Since then, Inauguration Day has been held on this date, with adjustments when it falls on a Sunday, resulting in a private swearing-in on that day and a public ceremony on the subsequent Monday.
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The inaugural address
The first inauguration under the Constitution took place on April 30, 1789, in New York City, which was then the temporary capital of the United States. George Washington took the first oath of office on a balcony of Federal Hall, delivering his inaugural address in the Federal Hall Senate Chamber.
Over the years, the inaugural address has evolved and adapted to the changing times and needs of the nation. While the early addresses may have focused more on the principles of governance and the role of the federal government, modern addresses often address contemporary issues and challenges facing the country.
In recent times, the inaugural address has become a highly scrutinized and anticipated event, with the potential to shape public opinion and set the tone for the presidency. It is often remembered for its powerful messages, memorable quotes, and ability to capture the spirit of the nation at that particular moment in time.
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The swearing-in ceremony
> I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
Since 1789, the oath has been administered at 60 scheduled public inaugurations, by 15 chief justices, one associate justice, and one New York state judge. Since 1981, the ceremony has been held at the west front of the United States Capitol, facing the National Mall. From 1829 to 1977, most swearing-in ceremonies took place on a platform over the steps at the Capitol's east portico. They have also been held inside the Old Senate Chamber, the chamber of the House of Representatives, and the Capitol rotunda.
The vice-president-elect is sworn in first and repeats the same oath of office as senators, representatives, and other federal employees:
> I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.
Inauguration Day occurs every four years on January 20 (or January 21 if the 20th falls on a Sunday) at noon Eastern Time. The first inauguration, that of George Washington, took place on April 30, 1789, in New York City, which was then the temporary capital of the US. Subsequent public inaugurations from 1793 until 1933 were held on March 4, the day of the year on which the federal government began operations under the US Constitution.
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Frequently asked questions
The first inauguration under the Constitution took place on April 30, 1789, in New York City, which was then the temporary capital of the U.S. George Washington took the first oath of office on a balcony of Federal Hall.
Inaugurations moved to Washington, D.C., the nation's permanent capital, in 1801. Thomas Jefferson took the oath of office in the U.S. Capitol, in what was then the Senate Chamber.
Since 1981, inaugurations have typically taken place on the west front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
