The Fifty-Seventh Presidential Inauguration on January 21, 2013 presented by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

Swearing-In Ceremony for President James Madison

Sixth Inaugural Ceremonies, March 4, 1809

Inaugural Address

‘Unwilling to depart from examples of the most revered authority, I avail myself of the occasion now presented to express the profound impression made on me by the call of my country to the station to the duties of which I am about to pledge myself by the most solemn of sanctions.’

Read the address
(Words: 1191)

Presidential Oath of Office

Administered to James Madison by the Honorable John Marshall, Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Library of Congress

  • Bible Used: Unknown
  • Attire: Wore a suit made entirely of American grown, carded, woven, cut, and sewed wool.

Vice Presidential Oath of Office

Administered to George Clinton.

Library of Congress

  • Location

    House of Representatives Chamber,
    U.S. Capitol
    Washington, DC

  • Facts, Firsts & Precedents

    The first Inaugural Ball was held the evening after the swearing-in ceremony. It took place at Long's Hotel and tickets cost $4 each.

  • Weather

    Cloudy. It rained the day before, leaving the streets muddy.