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The Hall
of the House | Growth of a Young Nation | Design
of the Hall | Speaker of the House | Notable
Ceremonies | John Quincy Adams | Historical
Artifacts
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Portrait
of Lafayette
(1757-1834) |
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Probably by Matthew Harris Jouett (1788-1827)
after Ary Sheffer,
oil on canvas, circa 1825
Photo
courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery.
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Lafayette's
address to Congress, 1824. |
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The photograph of General Lafayette's address to Congress,
written on a notecard in longhand. The text of the address reads as follows: "Sir, I have been allowed, forty years ago, before a Committee of a Congress of thirteen states, to express the fond wishes of an American heart. On this day I have the honor, and enjoy the delight, to congratulate the Representatives of the Union, so vastly enlarged, on the realization of those wishes, even beyond every human expectation, and upon the almost infinite prospects we can with certainty anticipate."
Source: Lafayette College,
Marquis de Lafayette Collection,
David Bishop Skillman Library.
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Oration
of Lafayette |
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A photograph of the oration cover entitled "Oration
on the Life and Character of Gilbert motier de Lafayette...."
It makes mention of the eulogy delivered by Congressman
John Quincy Adams to a joint session of Congress in
the Old House Chamber.
Oration on the Life and Character of Gilbert Motier
de Lafayette
Washington, D.C., Gales and Seaton, 1835.
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Inaugurations
The Old Hall of the House, now known as Statuary Hall was used for joint
meetings with the Senate, ceremonies, and public lectures, in addition to
the business of lawmaking. The Chamber is still used for ceremonies honoring
foreign dignitaries and for special events in Statuary Hall such as the
inaugural luncheon. Except under extraordinary circumstances, the President
takes the oath of office at the Capitol in the presence of the Congress.
Six inaugurations were held in Statuary Hall, those of James Monroe, James
Madison, Andrew Jackson, John Quincy Adams, and Millard Fillmore.
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James
Monroe (1758-1831)
James Monroe's second inauguration in 1821 was forced indoors by heavy snow
and rain. Over two thousand people crowded into the newly reconstructed
Hall of the House, where, for the first time, a band played during the entrance
and departure of the President.
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James
Madison (1751-1836)
A Member of the House in the first four Congresses, was inaugurated here
in 1809 and 1813. Ten thousand people gathered outside the Capitol for his
first inauguration. |
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Andrew
Jackson (1767-1845)
Andrew Jackson's inauguration in 1833 was driven inside this Hall by snow,
freezing temperatures and high winds. For the first time, the President
was received at the Capitol by the mayor of Washington and members of the
city council. |
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John
Quincy Adams (1767-1848)
John Quincy Adams was inaugurated here in 1825. Outgoing President James
Monroe established the tradition of escorting his successor to the Capitol.
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Millard
Fillmore (1800-1874)
Millard Fillmore's inauguration in 1850 was the last in a House chamber.
It occurred after the sudden death of President Zachary Taylor. This swearing-in
was conducted quickly and solemnly, befitting a Nation in mourning. |
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The First Foreign Dignitary
The Marquis de Lafayette, hero of the American Revolution, visited all 24
states in the Union during his triumphal return in 1824-25. Everywhere he
went he was greeted with parades and ceremonies.
This portrait of the Marquis de Lafayette (top left), based on one made
from life and given by the artist to the House of Representatives on the
occasion of Lafayette's visit in 1824, hung in the Old Hall of the House
until it was moved to the present House Chamber in 1858.
In this Hall, on
December 10, 1824, Lafayette became the first foreign dignitary to address
a joint meeting of the House and Senate. He concluded as follows (see
photograph of handwriting at left):
"Sir, I have
been allowed, forty years ago, before a Committee of a Congress of thirteen
states, to express the fond wishes of an American heart. On this day
I have the honor, and enjoy the delight, to congratulate the Representatives
of the Union, so vastly enlarged, on the realization of those wishes,
even beyond every human expectation, and upon the almost infinite prospects
we can with certainty anticipate."
Congressman John
Quincy Adams delivered a eulogy to a joint session of Congress in the
Old Hall of the House when Lafayette died in 1834.
Continue exhibit
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Splendid Hall
Take a virtual tour of Splendid Hall and discover the architectural treasures and historical artifacts of the Old House Chamber.
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