Swearing-In Ceremony for President James A. Garfield

Twenty-Fourth Inaugural Ceremonies, March 4, 1881

Inaugural Address

‘Fellow-Citizens: We stand to-day upon an eminence which overlooks a hundred years of national life—a century crowded with perils, but crowned with the triumphs of liberty and law.’

Read the address
(Words: 2975)

Presidential Oath of Office

Administered to James A. Garfield by the Honorable Morrison R. Waite, Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Library of Congress

Bible Used: Bible provided by James H. McKenney, Clerk of the Supreme Court, open to Proverbs 21:1.
Attire: Unknown

Vice Presidential Oath of Office

Administered to Chester A. Arthur.

Library of Congress

Location

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

First President to review the Inaugural parade from a stand built in front of the White House.
Weather

Snow all night until about 10 am. The afternoon was sunny and windy. Estimated noon temperature of 57°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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