The President

This Is What The Presidential Inauguration Looked Like In 1857

The oldest photo we have of a presidential inauguration comes from James Buchanan's 1857 swearing-in.

This Is What The Presidential Inauguration Looked Like In 1857
Library of Congress
SMS

This is the first known photo of a presidential inauguration.

It was taken March 24, 1857, during President James Buchanan's inauguration. The photographer was John Wood, the photographer for the Architect of the Capitol.

How Do You Even Plan An Inauguration?
How Do You Even Plan An Inauguration?

How Do You Even Plan An Inauguration?

Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt, the chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, sat down with Newsy to explain.

LEARN MORE

The Capitol dome and modern houses of Congress were still under construction. The crowd in the photo is standing on a wooden platform above the yard. 

The picture was taken at the east front of the Capitol. Modern inaugurations are held on the opposite side of the building.