Washington's First Inauguration at Federal Hall

On April 30, 1789, George Washington took the oath of office as the first President of the United States on the balcony of Federal Hall at the corner of Wall and Nassau Streets. Chancellor Robert R. Livingston administered the oath. Washington wore a suit of American-made brown broadcloth — a deliberate gesture toward domestic manufacturing. The crowd that gathered below was enormous by the standards of the day.

Washington's inaugural address, delivered in the Senate chamber inside, was brief and uncharacteristically hesitant — he was genuinely uncertain about his fitness for the role. He received no salary for his military service and initially intended to decline the presidential salary as well, though he was persuaded to accept it. After the ceremony, Washington and members of Congress walked to St. Paul's Chapel for a service of thanksgiving, establishing a precedent followed by several of his successors.