Swearing-In Ceremony for President James K. Polk
Fifteenth Inaugural Ceremonies, March 4, 1845
Inaugural Address
‘Fellow-Citizens: Without solicitation on my part, I have been chosen by the free and voluntary suffrages of my countrymen to the most honorable and most responsible office on earth.’
Read the address
(Words: 4801)
Presidential Oath of Office
Administered to James K. Polk by the Honorable Roger B. Taney, Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Fifteenth Inaugural Ceremonies
- Bible Used: The origin of Polk's Bible is unknown, although a letter in the front of the volume indicates that after the Inauguration, it was presented to Mrs. Polk by the Marshal of the District of Columbia. There is no indication that it was open during the oath-taking, and has no marked passages.
- Attire: Unknown
Vice Presidential Oath of Office
Administered to George M. Dallas.
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Location
East Portico,
U.S. Capitol
Washington, DC -
Facts, Firsts & Precedents
First Inauguration covered by telegraph.
First known Inauguration featured in a newspaper illustration; illustration appeared in the Illustrated London News.
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Weather
Thunderstorms at dawn with rain during the day. Total rainfall was .40 inches and the estimated noon temperature was 42°F.