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.
Twenty-Fourth Inaugural Ceremonies
- 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.
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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.
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Weather
Snow all night until about 10 am. The afternoon was sunny and windy. Estimated noon temperature of 57°F.