When Grover Cleveland was inaugurated in 1885 the stand constructed on the Capitol steps was covered with red, white, and blue bunting and American flags. In this photograph, the rotund new president can be seen delivering his inaugural address.
The statue of Christopher Columbus holding a globe which stood for more than a century on the east front of the Capitol is visible behind and slightly to the left of President Cleveland. When viewed at full-size, you can see that one fearless spectator has ascended to a vantage point atop the statue, and is precariously perched on the arm which holds the globe.
