The first presidential inauguration was held on April 30, 1789, in what was then the nation’s capital of New York City. On a second floor balcony of Federal Hall, George Washington took the oath of office as the first president of the United States. With one hand on the Bible, Washington recited the words that would be said by every president after him: "I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
By: Madison Horne
Presidential Inaugurations Through History: Photos
From pomp and circumstance to protests, see how presidential inaugurations have looked over the years.
NBC Newswire/Getty Images
Published: January 13, 2021
Last Updated: March 05, 2025
In the nearly 250 years since, many traditions around presidential inaugurations have remained the same—but a lot has changed. In 1801, Thomas Jefferson became the first president to be sworn in in the nation’s new capital, Washington, D.C., the site of nearly all inaugurations since. After Washington and until Franklin D. Roosevelt, inaugurations were always held on March 4, the anniversary of the Constitution first taking effect in 1789. After the passage of the 20th Amendment in 1933, however, Inauguration Day became January 20.
James Buchanan’s inauguration ceremony in 1857 was the first to be photographed. William McKinley's in 1897 was the first to be filmed and Harry Truman’s in 1949 was the first to be televised. The introduction of cameras brought a wider audience to the ceremonies and to the peaceful transfer of power in action—another sacred American tradition since the days of Washington.
Related Articles
U.S. Presidents
6 Presidential Campaign Slogans That Fell Flat
Political campaign slogans haven't always caught on. In fact, some have proven odd or embarrassing.
U.S. Presidents
8 Ways Past US Presidents Handled the Peaceful Transfer of Power
Presidential transitions through U.S. political history have ranged from smooth to awkward to adversarial.
U.S. Presidents
7 of FDR’s Most Inspiring Speeches
Roosevelt, known as 'the great communicator,' used his speeches and fireside chats to calm Americans’ fears—and to rally them around his policies.
U.S. Presidents
5 Presidential Scandals in American History
From adulterous affairs yielding secret children to hotel break-ins and secret gun deals, scandal has always followed American politicians.
About the author
Fact Check
We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate.
Citation Information
- Article title
- Presidential Inaugurations Through History: Photos
- Author
- Madison Horne
- Website Name
- History
- Date Accessed
- March 21, 2025
- Publisher
- A&E Television Networks
- Last Updated
- March 05, 2025
- Original Published Date
- January 13, 2021
History Revealed
Sign up for "Inside History"
Get fascinating history stories twice a week that connect the past with today’s world, plus an in-depth exploration every Friday.
By submitting your information, you agree to receive emails from HISTORY and A+E Global Media. You can opt out at any time. You must be 16 years or older and a resident of the United States.
More details: Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Contact Us
