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

Swearing-In Ceremony for President William H. Harrison

Fourteenth Inaugural Ceremonies, March 4, 1841

Inaugural Address

‘Called from a retirement which I had supposed was to continue for the residue of my life to fill the chief executive office of this great and free nation, I appear before you, fellow-citizens, to take the oaths which the Constitution prescribes as a necessary qualification for the performance of its duties; and in obedience to a custom coeval with our Government and what I believe to be your expectations I proceed to present to you a summary of the principles which will govern me in the discharge of the duties which I shall be called upon to perform.’

Read the address
(Words: 8445)

Presidential Oath of Office

Administered to William H. Harrison by the Honorable Roger B. Taney, Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Library of Congress

  • Bible Used: Unknown
  • Attire: Did not wear overcoat, hat, nor gloves during swearing-in ceremony

Vice Presidential Oath of Office

Administered to John Tyler.

Library of Congress

  • Location

    East Portico,
    U.S. Capitol
    Washington, DC

  • Facts, Firsts & Precedents

    • Harrison was the first President to arrive in Washington, D.C. by train.

    • The first official Inaugural committee was formed by citizens of D.C. to plan the parade and Inaugural ball.

    • President who has delivered the longest Inaugural address (8,445 words). He died of pneumonia one month later, believed to have been brought on by prolonged exposure to bad weather at his March 4 Inauguration.

  • Weather

    Overcast with a cold wind. Estimated noon temperature of 48°F.