18TH INAUGURAL CEREMONIES
PRESIDENT
JAMES
BUCHANAN
March 4, 1857
VICE PRESIDENT
JOHN
BRECKENRIDGE
March 4, 1857
ABOUT THE SWEARING-IN CEREMONIES
James Buchanan was sworn-in as the 15th President of the United States, and John Breckenridge was sworn-in as the 14th Vice President of the United States.
Location:
East Portico, U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C.
Weather:
Light snow and wind with heavier snow during the Inaugural Address. Estimated noon temperature of 35°F.
FACTS, FIRSTS, & PRECEDENTS
First Inauguration known to have been photographed.
VICE PRESIDENTIAL OATH OF OFFICE
Administered to John C. Breckenridge
by the Honorable James M. Mason,
Senate President pro tempore
VICE PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS
Delivered by Vice President John C. Breckenridge to the Senate
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
“Convinced that I owe my election to the inherent love for the Constitution and the Union which still animates the hearts of the American people, let me earnestly ask their powerful support in sustaining all just measures calculated to perpetuate these, the richest political blessings which Heaven has ever bestowed upon any nation.”
President James Buchanan
PRESIDENTIAL OATH OF OFFICE
Administered to James Buchanan
by the Honorable Roger B. Taney,
Chief Justice of the United States