The first inauguration took place in New York City, our nation’s first capital. George Washington took the oath at Federal Hall on April 30, 1789. 

  • The History of America's Presidential inaugurations: 
    • First inauguration took place in New York City
    • First ceremony in D.C. was held in 1801 for Jefferson
    • Washington's inaugural address only heard by Congress
    • Madison's speech, 20 years later, was 1st one published in paper
    • Buchanan's ceremony 1st one photographed in 1857
  • RELATED: Facts and stories on past and future presidential inaugurations

It wasn’t until Thomas Jefferson’s inauguration in 1801 that the ceremony was held in Washington, D.C. Jefferson started a new tradition called the “inaugural open house” during his second inauguration. This is when the new commander-in-chief invited the public to the executive mansion to extend well wishes.

Due to growing crowds over the next few inaugurations, the open house was discontinued and instead, the inaugural parade grew and became a way for the public to show its appreciation for their new leader. 

Other events, such as the inaugural ball, have become tradition. James Madison and his wife Dolley were the guests of honor at the first official inaugural ball, held at Long's Hotel in Washington, D.C. 

Since that time, other activities have broadened to include a cross-section of the American population. Receptions, balls and other public events reflect the president's need to include many diverse groups in the transition of power. 

Modern inaugurations validate the republic's democratic power, not just the celebration of one person's rise to power. 

Today, people rely on technology to participate in and learn about our government in ways that previous generations of Americans never dreamed. 

During President Washington's inauguration, only members of Congress, gathered in the Federal Hall, heard his inaugural address. 

Twenty years later, James Madison's speech was published in the newspaper for all to read. 

And it wasn't until 1857 when James Buchanan became president that the inauguration ceremony was first photographed. 

Since 1817 when James Monroe, our fifth president, gave the first inaugural address to an assembled public crowd, the tradition has been an opportunity for the president to speak directly to the American people. 

Most addresses focus on a certain theme, and some have included lines that have become indicative of the times:

“…finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds." — Abraham Lincoln

"This great nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper." — Franklin D. Roosevelt

 "…ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country." — John F. Kennedy

These days, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies plans and conducts the inauguration ceremonies at the Capitol. This tradition began in 1901, and Sen. Marcus A. Hanna, a Republican from Ohio, became the first chairman. He was responsible for President William Mckinley’s second inauguration.

TUNE IN: We’re taking the swearing-in live on Jan. 20, and stay tuned for live updates throughout the day.