Recalling the Nation’s First Inauguration

While all eyes will be on Washington, D.C., on Tuesday for the historic inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama as the nation’s 44^th president, the business of inaugurating the nation’s first president, George Washington, actually took place on April 23, 1789 in what was the country’s temporary capital, New York City.

The journey from his home in Mount Vernon to New York took seven days, an eternity in today’s terms, but one that was surrounded by a good deal of pomp and circumstance. Celebrations erupted in Alexandria, Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, and Trenton, all places along Washington’s route.

Washington made his entry to New York via barge from Elizabethtown, NJ. He was accompanied by three senators, five representatives of Congress, and three of the first officers representing New York.

Taking the Oath of Office

Washington took the Oath of Office on the balcony of Federal Hall on Wall Street, with a cheering crowd below him. The Oath of Office was administered by Chancellor Robert R. Livingstone, New York’s highest ranking judge at the time. Livingstone used a bible that has now become known as the George Washington Inaugural Bible (the bible has been used for the inaugurations of Presidents Harding, Eisenhower, Carter, and George H.W. Bush).

Vice President John Adams, Governor of New York George Clinton, and several senators and representatives stood beside Washington on this momentous occasion. Shortly afterward, Washington moved into the Senate Chamber where he gave a short speech. He later walked to St. Paul’s Chapel where he asked for God’s blessing on the new nation.   

Setting Precedents

The first president set many precedents for future inaugurations, such as holding the ceremony outdoors, taking the oath of office with a bible in hand, making an inaugural address that has set the pattern for future speeches, and initiating festivities to accompany this special occasion.