Traditionally every four years, a newly or recently elected president comes to the nation's capital of Washington, D.C. to take the oath of office. National parks in D.C. serve as the backdrop for many of the Inauguration Day festivities becoming part of the history. Inaugurations have changed shape over the years, but they all a snapshot into what is happening in the country at the time. Join rangers for virtual programs for conversations and reflections about presidential inaugurations, their place in history, and their continuing legacy today.
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Presidents' Precedents: George Washington's Inauguration
Although designed with a vision in mind, the Washington Monument shaped into the iconic landmark we know today by adapting to situations that affected its construction. In 1789, a young Congress unanimously chose George Washington to become the nation's first president with a vision in mind. He was responsible for setting precedents for the role of president that could also continue to be shaped over time.
- Duration:
- 5 minutes
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Reflecting on Complexities: Thomas Jefferson's Inauguration
The nation faced a great challenge in one of its earliest presidential elections: a partisan election with political factions. The presidential election of 1801 was one of the most chaotic in the nation's history and put the young U.S. Constitution to the test. But its president-elect took from it valuable lessons, which he spoke about in his inaugural address.
- Duration:
- 3 minutes, 40 seconds
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Ranger Reflections: The Lincoln Statue
Subtle features of the Lincoln Memorial hold meaning and symbolism. There are connections to other memorials in Washington D.C., moments in history, and parts of Lincoln’s story waiting to be found in the memorial’s stone.
- Duration:
- 4 minutes, 4 seconds
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Ranger Reflections: The Lincoln Memorial Murals
The Lincoln Memorial is built in the form of the Parthenon of ancient Athens. Discover the ways the artist and sculptor intended to portray Lincoln the man and inspire the nation. Explore the symbolism of the Lincoln Memorial's design and placement.
- Duration:
- 2 minutes, 10 seconds
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Balancing Beliefs: Abraham Lincoln's First Inauguration
As Abraham Lincoln prepared to be sworn in as the 16th president of the United States, seven states had already succeeded and a civil war was on the horizon. In his inaugural address, he balanced his determination to uphold his beliefs and kindness to those with whom he disagreed. Ultimately, he would not compromise on the dissolution of the Union.
- Duration:
- 2 minutes, 50 seconds
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Words Into Action: Abraham Lincoln's Second Inauguration
In March of 1865, the nation was several years into a devastating civil war with an end finally in sight. Facing his second presidential inauguration, Abraham Lincoln knew his inaugural address had to bring a message of peace, healing, and unity that needed to transcend just words. He delivered what he thought was his best speech and ultimately helped win the peace.
- Duration:
- 3 minutes, 23 seconds
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Ranger Reflections: Responding to Lincoln's Second Address
Join Ranger Kathryn Williams as she shares her changing experience with the Lincoln Memorial. She grew up in the South and was affected by the Civil War more than 100 years later, which influenced her initial feelings about the memorial. She discusses her journey with Lincoln’s story through the words of the second inaugural address as she discovers meaning and, eventually, a sense of friendship.
- Duration:
- 3 minutes, 2 seconds
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Ranger Reflections: Civil Rights
Ranger Gill Lyons shares his experience of civil rights in the U.S. through memories of his life and moments at the Lincoln Memorial. Join him for his personal stories of service in the Korean War, returning home to be treated as a second-class citizen, and taking his family to the Lincoln Memorial while living in a segregated country. He watched Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. give his most famous speech on the steps of Lincoln Memorial, and witnessed the election of the first African American U.S. President.
- Duration:
- 5 minutes, 29 seconds
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Hail to the Chief
Every four years an American president is inaugurated. At these occasions, new presidents are introduced to the song “Hail to the Chief” for the first-time. President Abraham Lincoln heard that song for the final time at Ford’s Theatre on the night of April 14, 1865. This video presents a history of the patriotic song that is so closely associated with America’s presidents.
- Duration:
- 4 minutes, 45 seconds
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"The Only Thing We Have to Fear": Franklin D. Roosevelt's First Inauguration
At the time of Franklin D. Roosevelt's first presidential inauguration in 1933, many Americans felt despair from the economic hardships of the Great Depression. Roosevelt knew his inauguration address needed give a message of hope. His words of comfort have become immortalized and he would go on to serve an unprecedented four terms.
- Duration:
- 2 minutes, 40 seconds
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Changing Hats: Dwight D. Eisenhower's Inauguration
Before the 1953 presidential inauguration, President Harry S Truman arrived at the Capitol wearing a top hat to greet President-Elect Dwight D. Eisenhower wearing a homburg hat. Eisenhower's hat soon disappeared and he went without after taking the oath of office, one of a few subtle changes to tradition he made. During his inaugural address, he asked the American people to think of the future in a timeless message to future generations.
- Duration:
- 9 minutes, 31 seconds
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John F. Kennedy's Inauguration Path to the White House
As the road that connects the Capitol and the White House, Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site is the path that welcomed most new presidents to their new residence after taking the oath of office. Despite a series of mishaps, President John F. Kennedy delivered one of the most remembered inauguration speeches of all time and was able to make the traditional journey down Pennsylvania Avenue thanks to people who did for their country.
- Duration:
- 6 minutes, 50 seconds
More Virtual Experiences
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Go VirtualThe 59th Presidential Inauguration is going virtual! Join the virtual festivities and explore your presidential national parks.
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Virtual ToursTake a tour of presidential monuments, memorials, and homes in national parks from the comfort of anywhere in the world.
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Presidential Places 360°Remotely explore presidential memorials in D.C. in the round and see if you can pass the test to become a virtual tour guide.
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Junior RangersGotta collect them all! Earn Junior Ranger badges while learning about U.S. presidents, inaugurations, and memorials.
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Game OnTrivia time! Test your knowledge of presidential history with games for all ages about history and places found in national parks.
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Virtual Passport StampDo you collect national park passport cancellation stamps? Congratulations, you've found the virtual Presidential Inauguration stamp!
Last updated: January 19, 2021