Inaugurations are major events in our country. They represent a changing of the guard and set the tone for the coming administration. That makes today a day of historical significance!
I found a few pictures of past inaugurations.
This is from Lincoln’s first inaugural address. The Library of Congress notes that the event’s photographer had plenty of time to set up a closer shot but all the photographs are taken from a distance. You can pick out Lincoln only by his white shirtfront.
Blurred photographs are a theme of Lincoln’s presidency. Interestingly, there is only one confirmed picture of Lincoln at Gettysburg. There were several photographers present to capture the sixteenth president’s image speaking to the crowd and they were still setting up their equipment when Lincoln rose to speak. In those days, it was common for orators to give long speeches and that is what everyone expected Lincoln would do. Another speaker at the event gave a two-hour oration. But Lincoln understood the power of brevity. The immortal Gettysburg address is only 272 words, and he spoke for two minutes. By the time the photographers realized Lincoln had concluded his speech, it was too late. He was already walking away. One photographer was able to take this blurred picture capturing the president in his top hat.
President Trump will take the oath in the Capitol instead of outside. The official reason is the expected cold temperature but many suspect that it’s really due to security threats. As awful as that is, it’s nothing new. John Wilkes Booth was present at Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address. Booth, who would assassinate Lincoln six weeks later, was carrying a pistol at the inauguration. Both he and Lincoln are visible in this photo from the second inauguration.
Some kind soul posted this image which marks them out.
President Trump is only the second president to serve non-consecutive terms. The other president to serve non-consecutive terms was Steven Grover Cleveland.
Is anyone else surprised to learn Grover was not President Cleveland’s first name? I wonder why he decided to use his middle name instead? It was a smart thing to do for a politician who needs to stand out but I bet it was no fun when he was little.
We’re all fans of Teddy Roosevelt here! Here’s a picture from his only formal inaugural address in March 1905.
It’s time for the inauguration!
old spirituals 
These photos are great! I love anything to do with American history. I have to admit I have been binge watching all the Inaugural festivities today. I learned so much about the Capitol rotunda and the statues and symbols there. I’m so glad it was inside just to see these areas of the Capitol. Also, the traditions and ceremony of the Inauguration are enjoyable to observe. I could “feel” the cold in D.C. I worked at the National Academy of Science for a few months before my husband received orders for Vietnam. Walking a few blocks to the office, the wind and cold went right through my coat. The dampness made it worse. BTW, I read a while back that Lincoln’s oldest son and Booth knew each other and were mutual friends with a Congressman’s daughter.
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I know what you mean about the cold! Ohio was like that in the winter. It makes your bones hurt.
It’s interesting you brought up Robert Lincoln. There is a story about him I’ve been meaning to write about forever. I’ll take this as a sign!
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Gettysburg Lincoln looks heavier and more scruffy than I would have thought…
That sea of bowler hats at the Cleveland inauguration is something else!
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That’s interesting about Lincoln! You’re right. I wonder if it’s the blur from him moving while the photo was taken?
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