Presidential inaugural ceremonies are perhaps the most widely known of the numerous ceremonies held at the Capitol and on the Capitol Grounds for which the Architect of the Capitol is responsible for making arrangements. The agency erects the inaugural platform on the Capitol's west front, sets up the necessary seating and fencing on the grounds, and coordinates other activities with the Joint Congressional Committee on the Inaugural Ceremonies regarding all of the physical arrangements that are necessary to accommodate this event. More presidents have taken the oath of office at the Capitol than anywhere else; for further information, see the overview or the detailed list of inaugural locations. You may also wish to see a list of precedents and notable events. A list of vice presidential inaugural locations is also available.
Elsewhere on the Web, the Library of Congress has created an online presentation, "I Do Solemnly Swear . . . ," that includes "approximately 400 items or 2,000 digital files from each of the 54 inaugurations from George Washington's in 1789 to George W. Bush's inauguration of 2001. This presentation includes diaries and letters of presidents and of those who witnessed inaugurations, handwritten drafts of inaugural addresses, broadsides, inaugural tickets and programs, prints, photographs, and sheet music." Selected photographs from the records of the Architect of the Capitol are used in the presentation; copies may be ordered through the Library of Congress.
