The inauguration of George Washington, the first President of the
United States in 1789.
Chancellor of New York Robert Livingston administered the presidential
oath of office in view of throngs of people gathered on the streets. The
Bible used in the ceremony was from St. John’s Lodge No. 1 and was
opened at random to Genesis 49:13. Afterwards, Livingston shouted
"Long live George Washington, President of the United States!" to the
crowd, which was replied to with cheers and a 13-gun salute. The first
inaugural address was subsequently delivered by Washington in the
Senate chamber, running 1419 words in length. At this time there were
no inaugural balls on the day of the ceremony, though a week later, on
May 7, a ball was held in New York City to honor the first President.
Federal Hall, New York City (above), was the site of George
Washington’s first inauguration, April 30, 1789.
