Swearing-In Ceremony for President James Monroe
Eighth Inaugural Ceremonies, March 4, 1817
‘I should be destitute of feeling if I was not deeply affected by the strong proof which my fellow-citizens have given me of their confidence in calling me to the high office whose functions I am about to assume.’
Read the address
Presidential Oath of Office
Administered to James Monroe by the Honorable John Marshall, Chief Justice of the United States.
- Bible Used: Unknown
- Attire: Unknown
Vice Presidential Oath of Office
Administered to Daniel D. Tompkins.
Old Brick Capitol (current site of the U.S. Supreme Court building
Facts, Firsts & Precedents
First President to take the oath of office and deliver the Inaugural address outdoors; ceremony took place on platform in front of the temporary Brick Capitol (where Supreme Court now stands). The original plan for Madison's second Inauguration called for a ceremony in the House chamber of the temporary Capitol, but when a small feud ensued between the Senate and the House of Representatives over what chairs would be used in the House chamber, the venue changed to an outdoor platform in front of the building.
Warm and sunny. Estimated noon temperature of 50°F.