Everything Everywhere Daily Presidential Inaugurations: The Peaceful Transition of Power (Encore)
Jan 19, 2025
Discover the fascinating history behind presidential inaugurations in the United States! Learn why January 20th is the chosen date and how the inaugural traditions have evolved since George Washington. Explore key milestones, such as varying oaths and weather extremes during ceremonies. Delve into the transition from classic to modern formats, highlighting the rich customs that have developed over centuries. It's a deep dive into the peaceful transfer of power and the traditions that make these events uniquely American!
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First Inauguration Location
- Washington's first inauguration was on April 30th, 1789, in New York City, due to a harsh winter.
- It took place on Federal Hall's balcony on Wall Street, a building that no longer exists in its original form.
Bible Tradition
- George Washington began the tradition of placing his hand on a Bible during the oath.
- The Bible used was from St. John's Lodge No. 1, opened randomly to Genesis 47.
Alternatives to the Bible
- John Quincy Adams and Franklin Pierce opted for a law book instead of a Bible.
- Theodore Roosevelt used nothing, and Lyndon Johnson used a Catholic missal due to its immediate availability.