This Week in American History: On April 30, 1789 George Washington became the first President of the United States of America.
Morning of Washington’s Inauguration
At sunrise the artillery fired a military salute at Fort George, Maryland. Meanwhile, church bells began ringing throughout New York for an hour and a half starting at 9:00am.
Afternoon of Washington’s Inauguration
At 12:30 p.m., a military escort arrived at Franklin Hall to take Washington to Federal Hall. The full ceremonial procession included Grand Marshall Colonel Morgan Lewis and military contingent of 500 men. Washington traveled in a state coach with his two aides. He was escorted by the Senate Committee, Committee of the House, Chancellor Robert Livingston, the French and Spanish ministers, and many ordinary citizens.
George Washington’s Inauguration
The procession arrived at Federal Hall at 1:00 p.m. Washington proceeded to the Senate chamber where the two houses of Congress waited for him.
At 2:00 p.m. Washington’s vice president, John Adams, took him to the outer balcony in front of the Senate chamber. Robert Livingston, the Chancellor of New York administered the oath of office to Washington. George Washington was officially America’s first President. After taking the oath of office, Washington went back into the Senate chamber and delivered his First Inaugural Address.
Church Service After Washington’s Inauguration
In mid-afternoon on April 30, 1789, the inaugural party went to St. Paul’s Chapel in New York. Once there, the Episcopal Bishop of New York lead a celebration of Divine Service. Afterwards, Washington went back to his residence at Franklin House where he ate dinner alone.
Fireworks Celebrating Washington’s Inauguration
Washington went to the homes of Chancellor Livingston and General Henry Knox with his aides David Humphreys and Tobias Lear after dinner. While there, Washington and others gathered and watched the fireworks let off to celebrate the inauguration. Afterwards, Washington and his escorts walked home because his carriage was unable to make it through the crowds.
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Info Source: MountVernon.org
Photo Source: Unsplash.com
