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

Swearing-In Ceremony for President Abraham Lincoln

Nineteenth Inaugural Ceremonies, March 4, 1861

Inaugural Address

‘ Fellow-Citizens of the United States: In compliance with a custom as old as the Government itself, I appear before you to address you briefly and to take in your presence the oath prescribed by the Constitution of the United States to be taken by the President “before he enters on the execution of this office.’

Read the address
(Words: 3628)

Presidential Oath of Office

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

Library of Congress

  • Bible Used: Bible purchased by William Thomas Carroll, Clerk of the Supreme Court, opened at random. It is almost identical to James Buchanan's 1857 Bible.
  • Attire: Cut-away coat and silk top hat

Vice Presidential Oath of Office

Administered to Hannibal Hamlin.

Library of Congress

  • Location

    East Portico,
    U.S. Capitol
    Washington, DC

  • Facts, Firsts & Precedents

    Lincoln's procession to the Capitol was surrounded by heavily armed calvary and infantry, providing an unprecedented amount of protection for the President-elect as the nation stood on the brink of war.

  • Weather

    Rain until mid morning and then sunny and mild in the afternoon.