Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies Inaugural Web Site. January 20, 2009; Printed from inaugural.senate.gov.

President William Henry Harrison, 1841

Vice President John Tyler
Inauguration Date Saturday, March 4, 1841
Location East Portico, U.S. Capitol
Oath Administered By: Roger B. Taney, Chief Justice
Bible Used: Unknown
Length of Inaugural Address: 8,445 words
Attire (what the president wore): Did not wear overcoat, hat, nor gloves during swearing-in ceremony
Weather: Overcast with a cold wind. Estimated noon temperature of 48°F.
Precedents, "firsts" or other interesting information:
  • Harrison was the first President to arrive in Washington, D.C. by train.
  • The first official Inaugural committee was formed by citizens of D.C. to plan the parade and Inaugural ball.
  • Harrison delivered the longest Inaugural address on record. He died of pneumonia one month later, believed to have been brought on by prolonged exposure to bad weather at his March 4 Inauguration.

Library of Congress

William Henry Harrison, 1841