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

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 United States.

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.