Friday, March 4, 2016

Presidential Inaugrations used to be on March 4


We are in a busy political year of selecting the next President of the United States, who will be sworn in on Jan 20, 2017.

But did you know that Jan 20 was not always the date for the Inaugural ceremonies?

The very first Inaugural Ceremony was, of course, of George Washington, and it was held on April 30, 1789 at the Federal Hall in New York City.

George Washington's second inauguration was on March 4, 1793.

Pictured here is a Postcard depicting the Second Inauguration of President Theodore Roosevelt which was held on March 4, 1905, in Washington D.C.

In fact, From 1793 until 1933 all the inaugurations were held on March 4 (or on March 5 if the 4th fell on a Sunday). 

Why?  Mainly because the weather made transportation difficult until the spring (or so I have heard).

But, due to the passage of the 20th amendment to the US Constitution, the March 4 date was changed to January 20 (or the 21st if the 20th is on a Sunday.)

Apparently transportation problems due to weather had improved sufficiently to do away with the March 4 date.

So, beginning in 1937 and continuing to the present, Presidents were and are inaugurated on January 20 (or on the 21st if the 20th is on a Sunday)

Interesting !!

For many more interesting details about Presidential Inaugurations HERE'S THE LINK