Inaugural Address Podcast Inaugural Address Podcast

The first inauguration of James Madison was held on March 4, 1809. He became the fourth President of the United States and was sworn in by the Chief Justice of the United States, John Marshall.

Madison delivered his inaugural address to a gathered crowd of about 10,000 people, among which included outgoing President Thomas Jefferson. Marking the first time that a former President stayed in the capitol to hear the new President's inaugural address. President Madison wore a 100% American-made wool suit for the occasion.

The oath of office was administered in the Hall of the House of Representatives. The inauguration was followed by the first official inaugural ball, which was held at Long's Hotel in Washington, DC.

Thomas Jefferson delivered his second inaugural address on March 4, 1805. Chief Justice John Marshall administered the oath of office and Thomas Jefferson delivered his address in the nation's capitol of Washington, DC.

The first inauguration of President Thomas Jefferson took place on March 4, 1801. He was the first president to take the oath of office in the new capital city of Washington, DC. He was sworn in by Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Marshall.

Though President Jefferson had just won a much contested political battle he called for national unity and pointed out the importance of differing opinions in a republican government.

The inauguration of John Adams took place on March 4th, 1797 in Philadelphia, PA at Congress Hall. Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court Oliver Ellsworth swore Adams in. This inauguration marked the first time the oath of office was administered by the Chief Justice, a tradition that has persisted to today.

George Washington's second presidential inaugural address was delivered on March 4, 1793. It took place in the Senate Chamber of Congress Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is the shortest inaugural address to date. The oath of office was administered by Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States William Cushing.

This installment recreates George Washington's first Inaugural Address. He delivered the address in Federal Hall in New York City on April 30, 1789.