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Jan
08
2009

Any historical facts about the Presidential Inauguration?

US Capitol (photo by David Davies CC-BY)

Prior to 2009, there have been 54 formal presidential inaugural ceremonies at over 10 different locations.
If it falls on a Sunday, the oath is administered privately on the day or previous evening, then in public on the Monday.
George Washington’s second inaugural address was the shortest at 135 words, while William Harrison’s went onto a whopping 8,445 words. John Adams’ address at 2,308 words contains a sentence 737 words long. Having said that, there are numerous semi-colons allowing for subtle pauses.
First inaugural parade was in 1805.
Media coverage of the event include: 1845 first known inauguration featured in a newspaper illustration (Illustrated London News); 1857 the first inauguration to be photographed; 1897 the first motion picture filming; 1925 the first national radio broadcast; and 1949 the first televised broadcast.
In 1921 Warren G. Harding was first President to ride to and from his inauguration in an automobile.
In 1963 the oath of office was for the first time administered by a woman
Richard Nixon took the oath on two Bibles.
The first time a poet participated in the inaugural program was in 1961.
Ronald Reagan became the first to be inaugurated at the west front of the U.S. Capitol
In 1865 the first time African Americans participated in the inaugural parade
Last scripture verse used was in 1997 by William Clinton: Isaiah 58:12; while George Washington’s was Genesis 49:13. Not pre-planned, but read after the page was randomly opened.
Finally, 1985 was the coldest inauguration day on record – 7 degrees Fahrenheit.