15TH INAUGURAL CEREMONIES
JAMES K.
POLK
March 4, 1845
GEORGE M.
DALLAS
THE SWEARING-IN CEREMONIES
The Swearing-In Ceremony:
James K. Polk was sworn-in as the 11th President of the United States, and George M. Dallas was sworn-in as the 11th Vice President of the United States.
Location:
East Portico, U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C.
Weather:
Thunderstorms at dawn with rain during the day. Total rainfall was .40 inches and the estimated noon temperature was 42°F.
Bible:
The origin of Polk’s Bible is unknown, although a letter in the front of the volume indicates that after the Inauguration, it was presented to Mrs. Polk by the Marshal of the District of Columbia. There is no indication that it was open during the oath-taking, and has no marked passages.
FACTS, FIRSTS & PRECEDENTS
First Inauguration covered by telegraph; First known Inauguration featured in a newspaper illustration (illustration appeared in the Illustrated London News).
PRESIDENTIAL OATH OF OFFICE
Administered to James K. Polk by the Honorable Roger B. Taney, Chief Justice of the United States.
VICE PRESIDENTIAL OATH OF OFFICE
Administered to George M. Dallas.
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
President James K. Polk