Swearing-In Ceremony for President Abraham Lincoln

Twentieth Inaugural Ceremonies, March 4, 1865

Inaugural Address

‘ Fellow-Countrymen: At this second appearing to take the oath of the Presidential office there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first.’

Read the address
(Words: 698)

Presidential Oath of Office

Administered to Abraham Lincoln by the Honorable Salmon P. Chase, Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Library of Congress

Bible Used: The origin of Lincoln's second Inaugural Bible is unknown, but it was open to Matthew 7:1; 18:7; and Revelations 16:7.
Attire: Unknown

Vice Presidential Oath of Office

Administered to Andrew Johnson.

Library of Congress

Location

East Portico,
U.S. Capitol
Washington, DC
Facts, Firsts & Precedents

African Americans participated in the Inaugural parade for the first time.
Weather

Rain for two days and right up to the ceremony, when it ended and the sun broke through. Total rainfall for the day was .30 inches, with the bulk of it falling near daybreak. Grounds around the Capitol were very soft and muddy. Estimated noon temperature of 45°F.

Since 1901, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies has been responsible for the planning and execution of the swearing-in ceremonies and the luncheon for the Inauguration of the President of the United States at the U.S. Capitol.

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