Inauguration ceremonies are among the most significant traditions in U.S. political history, symbolizing the peaceful transfer of power. While today we associate these ceremonies with the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., the journey to this tradition has been far from straightforward. Many early inaugurations and extraordinary circumstances have led to swearing-in ceremonies far from the now-familiar location.
Early Inaugurations: Before Washington, D.C. Became the Norm
When George Washington took the oath of office as the first president in 1789, the United States did not yet have a permanent capital. Instead, Washington was sworn in on the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City. For his second term in 1793, the ceremony moved to Philadelphia’s Congress Hall, as Philadelphia was the temporary capital.
John Adams followed suit, taking his oath in Philadelphia. It wasn’t until Thomas Jefferson’s first inauguration in 1801 that the ceremony was held in Washington, D.C. Jefferson’s swearing-in took place inside the Capitol, marking the beginning of a long-standing tradition.
Inaugurations Held Outside Washington, D.C.
Despite the establishment of Washington, D.C. as the nation’s capital, extraordinary circumstances occasionally led to presidential inaugurations outside the city.
In 1881, following the assassination of President James Garfield, Vice President Chester A. Arthur took the oath of office in his New York City residence. Similarly, after President Warren G. Harding’s sudden death in 1923, Calvin Coolidge was sworn in at his family home in Plymouth Notch, Vermont.
One of the most unique swearing-in ceremonies occurred in 1963 after the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Lyndon Baines Johnson took the oath aboard Air Force One in Dallas, Texas. This marked the first and only time a president was inaugurated on an airplane and the first time a woman, Judge Sarah T. Hughes, administered the oath of office.
The Capitol as a Symbolic Stage
When Jefferson initiated the tradition of inaugurations in Washington, they initially took place indoors. However, in 1829, President Andrew Jackson’s inauguration became the first to be held outside on the Capitol’s east portico. Outdoor ceremonies became the norm, symbolizing openness and accessibility to the public.
From Jackson’s presidency until Jimmy Carter’s in 1977, most inaugurations occurred on the east portico. This tradition shifted in 1981 when President Ronald Reagan’s swearing-in moved to the west front of the Capitol, offering a picturesque view of the National Mall. The west front has remained the standard location ever since, with one notable exception: Reagan’s second inauguration in 1985. Bitterly cold temperatures forced the ceremony indoors to the Capitol Rotunda.
Weather-Related Challenges
Weather has occasionally dictated the location of inaugurations. William Henry Harrison’s 1841 inauguration, held on a freezing March day, included the longest inaugural address in history. Tragically, Harrison contracted pneumonia and died just one month later.
Similarly, in 1909, President William Howard Taft’s inauguration faced heavy snow and strong winds, forcing the ceremony indoors to the Senate Chamber, though the parade proceeded as planned.
A Tradition That Evolves
While most inaugurations now occur on the west front of the Capitol, history shows the adaptability of this ceremony. From balconies in New York City to family homes in Vermont, and even aboard an airplane, the inauguration represents more than just location—it symbolizes the resilience and continuity of American democracy.
Each unique venue and circumstance reminds us of the flexibility required to uphold this critical democratic tradition, even in the face of tragedy, weather, or other challenges. The evolution of inaugural ceremonies is a testament to the enduring strength of the presidency and the nation it serves.
Ioana Dorhoi, PhD – Government Relations and Public Affairs 