Swearing-In Ceremony for President James Buchanan

Eighteenth Inaugural Ceremonies, March 4, 1857

Inaugural Address

‘Fellow-Citizens: I appear before you this day to take the solemn oath “that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.’

Read the address
(Words: 2822)

Presidential Oath of Office

Administered to James Buchanan by the Honorable Roger B. Taney, Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Architect of the Capitol

Bible Used: Unknown
Attire: Unknown

Vice Presidential Oath of Office

Administered to John C. Breckenridge.

Library of Congress

Location

East Portico,
U.S. Capitol
Washington, DC
Facts, Firsts & Precedents

First Inauguration known to have been photographed.
Weather

Light snow and wind with heavier snow during the Inaugural address. Estimated noon temperature of 35°F.

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