The U.S. Capitol has hosted the majority of American presidential inaugurations. There are, however, several other historic settings for these ceremonies that are well worth a visit for travelers.
1. Federal Hall National Memorial (New York City)
President George Washington
Federal Hall National Memorial was the site of the first presidential inauguration. It also served as the seat of the first federal government established under the United States Constitution. Today, the memorial is conveniently situated for travelers looking to explore New York City’s Financial District.
Federal Hall is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The memorial is closed on Federal holidays.
2. Congress Hall (Philadelphia)
Presidents George Washington and John Adams
Congress Hall was the location of the presidential inaugurations of George Washington (his second) and John Adams. It was also the home of the United States Congress from 1790 to 1800. Located in Philadelphia’s Historic District, this is a must-see neighborhood for travelers. Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center, and the National Constitution Center are all within a few steps.
The area is generally open from Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Most buildings are closed on federal holidays.
Historic Philadelphia
3. U.S. Capitol (Washington D.C.)
Presidents Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, John Q. Adams, Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren, William H. Harrison, James K. Polk, Zachary Taylor, Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford Hayes, James Garfield, Chester A. Arthur, Benjamin Harrison, Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, William H. Taft, Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.
The U.S. Capitol was the setting for the greatest number of presidential inaugurations including the last seven.
The U.S. Capitol is also the current home of the United States Congress. The Congress is the legislative body of the United States. It consists of the U.S. Senate (100 members) and the House of Representative (435 members).
Guided tour hours for the U.S. Capitol run from Monday through Saturday, 8:40 PM to 3:20 PM. It is recommended that visitors obtain tour tickets from their local representatives before arriving to Washington D.C. for their visit. Email is the easiest way to request tickets. Do note that security measures apply to touring the buildings.
4. The White House (Washington D. C.)
Presidents Rutherford Hayes, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, Gerald Ford, and Ronald Reagan
The White House was the location for six presidential inaugurations and serves as the official residence of the president of the United States. Every president since John Adams has called the dwelling at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue home.
Visiting The White House is a memorable experience. There are, however, strict guidelines for larger groups. Public tours for groups of 10 or more require passes from a member of Congress up to six months in advance. Self-guided tours for individuals are available Tuesday through Saturday, from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The passes are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and should be requested up to a month in advance.
Church located in Washington D.C.
5. Ansley Wilcox Residence (641 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY)
President Theodore Roosevelt
The Ansley Wilcox Mansion was the site of Theodore Roosevelt’s first inauguration and is one of the oldest homes in Buffalo, NY. It has a rich history, including a significant connection to the Patriots’ War of 1837.
During operation hours, the residence is open from Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday through Sunday, 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
6. His Father’s Residence (Plymouth, Vermont)
President Calvin Coolidge
His father, a notary public, swore in Calvin Coolidge at John Coolidge’s house in Plymouth, Vermont. This remains one of the most unusual locations for a presidential inauguration. The rural setting features Coolidge’s birthplace and childhood residence, along with a community church, a cheese factory, and a one-room schoolhouse, all of which have been preserved.
Visiting hours for the historic site are daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, the site was open from May 24 until October 19.
7. His Private Residence (123 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY)
President Chester A. Arthur
Chester A. Arthur was one of two presidents sworn in at a private residence. Because the building is privately owned, visitors are only permitted to access the commercial space on the first floor. The property was designated a National Historic Landmark on January 12, 1965.
8. Three Locations For History Lovers
Presidents John Tyler, Andrew Johnson, and Lyndon Johnson
John Tyler, Andrew Johnson, Lyndon Johnson (for his first inauguration) were sworn in at locations that are no longer preserved or accessible to the public. Lyndon Johnson took the oath of office abroad Air Force One, Love Field Dallas, Texas).
John Tyler’s inauguration was held at Brown’s Hotel, formerly located at 6th St. and Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, D.C. Similarly, Andrew Johnson’s inauguration was held at the Kirkwood Hotel, which was once located at 12th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C.
Minor updates and edits were made from the original article.
Photos © Gennaro Salamone
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Please contact him with questions regarding article or photo submissions.