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

Swearing-In Ceremony for President Woodrow Wilson

Thirty-Third Inaugural Ceremonies, March 5, 1917

Inaugural Address

‘ My Fellow Citizens: The four years which have elapsed since last I stood in this place have been crowded with counsel and action of the most vital interest and consequence.’

Read the address
(Words: 1526)

Presidential Oath of Office

Administered to Woodrow Wilson by the Honorable Edward D. White, Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

  • Bible Used: Same Bible used when he was sworn in as Governor of New Jersey and as President in 1913, open to Psalm 46.
  • Attire: Morning coat, striped trousers, silk top hat

Vice Presidential Oath of Office

Administered to Thomas R. Marshall.

Library of Congress

  • Location

    East Portico,
    U.S. Capitol
    Washington, DC

    Weather

    Partly cloudy and windy. Estimated noon temperature of 38°F.

  • Facts, Firsts & Precedents

    • First President to take the oath of office on Sunday. March 4, 1917 fell on a Sunday, so Wilson was sworn in privately on that day in the President's Room in the U.S. Capitol by Chief Justice Edward D. White. His public inauguration was held on Monday, March 5.

    • Edith Bolling Galt Wilson was the first First Lady to accompany the President both to and from the Capitol

    • First time women participated in the Inaugural parade.

  • Inaugural Committee