Inauguration Ceremonies Throughout the 19th Century

The first inauguration of an American president was a large public event in New York City in 1789. Yet in the early decades of the 1800s the inauguration of the new president generally took place inside the US Capitol and was a fairly subdued and solemn affair.

With the arrival of Andrew Jackson and his democratic spirit, inaugurations became public spectacles. And the familiar trappings of modern inaugurations are very much rooted in traditions that developed during the 1800s.

In this gallery are images from the Library of Congress showing how inaugurations were illustrated and photographed throughout the 19th century.