15TH INAUGURAL CEREMONIES
PRESIDENT
JAMES K.
POLK
March 4, 1845
VICE PRESIDENT
GEORGE M.
DALLAS
March 4, 1845
ABOUT THE SWEARING-IN CEREMONIES
James K. Polk was sworn-in as the 11th President of the United States, and George M. Dallas was sworn-in as the 11th Vice President of the United States.
Location:
East Portico, U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C.
Weather:
Thunderstorms at dawn with rain during the day. Total rainfall was .40 inches and the estimated noon temperature was 42°F.
Bible Used:
The origin of Polk’s Bible is unknown, although a letter in the front of the volume indicates that after the Inauguration, it was presented to Mrs. Polk by the Marshal of the District of Columbia. There is no indication that it was open during the oath-taking, and has no marked passages.
FACTS, FIRSTS, & PRECEDENTS
First Inauguration covered by telegraph; First known Inauguration featured in a newspaper illustration (illustration appeared in the Illustrated London News).
VICE PRESIDENTIAL OATH OF OFFICE
Administered to George M. Dallas
by the Honorable Willie P. Magnum,
Senate President pro tempore
VICE PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS
Delivered by Vice President George M. Dallas to the Senate
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
“The Constitution itself, plainly written as it is, the safeguard of our federative compact, the offspring of concession and compromise, binding together in the bonds of peace and union this great and increasing family of free and independent States, will be the chart by which I shall be directed.”
President James K. Polk
PRESIDENTIAL OATH OF OFFICE
Administered to James K. Polk
by the Honorable Roger B. Taney,
Chief Justice of the United States