A Century Of American Presidential Inaugurations
Archival photos capture the pomp and ceremony of U.S. presidents being sworn into office in Washington, D.C. through the past 100 years.

1
The motorcade of President Calvin Coolidge (hatless in rear seat of lead car) after his second inauguration on March 4, 1925. The ceremony was the first to be broadcast nationally by radio, allowing some 23 million Americans to tune in to the president’s speech.

2
Crowds gather on the lawn and roof of the U.S. Capitol to listen to the inauguration speech of President Herbert Hoover on March 4, 1929.
The date of inaugurations was initially set for March 4 but in an effort to reduce the “lame duck” period between administrations, a constitutional amendment in 1933 decreed future inaugurations would be held on January 20.
The date of inaugurations was initially set for March 4 but in an effort to reduce the “lame duck” period between administrations, a constitutional amendment in 1933 decreed future inaugurations would be held on January 20.

3
Newly inaugurated President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (center in striped tie) arriving at the White House with his wife, Eleanor, and son James on March 4, 1933. The president would serve an unprecedented four terms in office, from 1933 until 1945.
A constitutional amendment was made in 1951 limiting presidents to two terms.
A constitutional amendment was made in 1951 limiting presidents to two terms.

4
President Harry S. Truman delivers his inaugural address from the Capitol on January 20, 1949.
The speech opened Truman’s only full term as president. He served as vice president under Roosevelt and began a shortened first term as premier after the death of Roosevelt in April 1945.
The speech opened Truman’s only full term as president. He served as vice president under Roosevelt and began a shortened first term as premier after the death of Roosevelt in April 1945.