Inauguration Day(s)

FUN WITH MAPS – ISSUE 2021-12

DAILY FEATURE: By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (January 20, 2021) – In Issue 2021-12 of Steve Kovacs Fun with Maps, we take a look into inauguration day(s) from the past to the present.

Presidential Inauguration

As can be expected for a youngish nation like the US, the planned change between the chief executives has not been constant in terms of timing and location.  (Unplanned changes due to death or resignation are excluded, of course.)

After Washington took office on April 30, 1789, inaugurations were held on March 4, except when that date fell on a Sunday, and then it was moved to March 5.  This was changed in 1937 to the current inauguration custom of January 20.

There was one exception in 1877, when technically the US had two co-current presidents, the incoming Rutherford B. Hayes who was sworn in in secret on March 3, while technically U. S. Grant was still in office for one more day. 

Location-wise, inaugurations were held at the nation’s Capital, whether that was New York City, Philadelphia, or Washington, mostly at the building serving as the Capitol, but three were held at the Presidential Residence, the White House.  Most were held outdoors, but some were held indoors due to the weather.

Here is Colton’s 1855 map of Washington and Georgetown.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Antique Maps & Fun Facts here on Loveland Beacon.