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HOUSE LIVE AUDIO

The First Inauguration

In 1789, the nation’s capital, New York City, was experiencing a harsh winter that had prevented many of the congressional delegates from making the trip to the city for the planned March 4th announcement of who won the recent presidential election. Thus, it was not until April 6th that there were enough Congressmen in attendance to count the electors’ votes and announce “it appears that George Washington, Esq. was unanimously elected President.” A debate about the new President’s official title ensued. John Adams wanted him to be called “His Most Benign Highness” but the Congressional Committee settled on “President of the United States.”

On Inauguration day, April 30th, the city rang with the sounds of church bells and cannon blasts. Standing in Federal Hall and wearing a homemade suit, Washington set his hand on the Bible and repeated the words set forth in the Constitution. “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of the President to the United States and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.” He added “so help me God" and kissed the Bible, two traditions that have been carried on by successive presidents. Afterwards, he gave the first inaugural address. Washington also started the tradition of the inaugural parade when he was escorted after the swearing in from Federal Hall to the President’s House by troops he had commanded during the Revolution, accompanied by Senators and Representatives. The evening after Washington’s swearing-in, a private ball was held for the new President, which signified the modest beginning of the traditional inaugural ball.