The Procession to the Capital
Inaugural ceremonies begin with the Joint Congressional Committee traveling to the White House. The members escort the president-elect and the vice-president-elect, along with their spouses, to the United States capitol, following a brief meeting between the outgoing President and the newly appointed one. Virtually every incoming President has made this journey since Martin Van Buren and Andrew Jackson in 1837 when they rode in a carriage made from the remnants of the U.S.S. Constitution.
Since America’s first president, George Washington, was sworn in during the first Inauguration in 1789, this event has been a huge celebration. Each President likes to add their own personal flare, like Andrew Jackson and Thomas Jefferson, who chose to walk instead of ride in a carriage.
Fun fact: President Abraham Lincoln was one of the only ones to skip the procession during his second inauguration, choosing instead to go to the U.S. Capitol building to sign bills into law.
The Swearing-In Ceremony
Did you know the Inauguration wasn’t always held in Washington, D.C.? In fact, America’s first president, George Washington, took his Presidential Oath on a balcony on Wall Street in New York City.
It wasn’t until the government moved to Washington, D.C., in 1800 that presidential inaugurations became associated with the nation's capital. The early swearing-in ceremonies were modest, held at locations like the U.S. Capitol’s Senate Chamber or its East Portico. At the time, key institutions, including the Library of Congress, House of Representatives, Senate, and Supreme Court, were all housed in one building, emphasizing practicality over pomp.
The swearing-in ceremony truly evolved in significance and grandeur over time. A major shift occurred in 1981, during President Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration. The ceremony was moved to its current and iconic location on the West Front of the Capitol building, providing a sweeping view of the National Mall and inviting a broader public presence. Since then, this site has become the standard.
But while the swearing-in ceremony is generally a celebration, that is not the case when a VP is inagurated due to the death or resignation of the sitting President. This situation has occurred nine times throughout history, including after the deaths of John F. Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln, and Franklin Roosevelt.
The Inaugural Address
After being sworn in, the newly elected President makes their first inaugural address, surrounded by members of Congress and the Vice President.
During this speech, it’s typical to include their vision for the country and what they’d like to accomplish during their presidency. Many of the words spoken during presidential inaugural addresses are still quoted to this day, including “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country,” by John F. Kennedy, and “We have nothing to fear but fear itself,” by Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Other Traditions
Along with the official events, each President chooses to celebrate their Inauguration with their own celebrations and traditions. These can include inaugural balls, parades, and luncheons. Famously, President Eisenhower held a parade with over 22,000 military members and 50 organization and state floats, costing more than $100,000.
In 1977, President Jimmy Carter started the tradition of walking the mile route around the White House. Each President celebrates in their own way, making their own traditions and building on others.
