“The Inauguration of Washington”
by Amanda Nesci
In January 2019, the Museum received a generous gift made by Kent D. and Tina K. Worley. This collection spans the breadth of material culture from and about the Revolutionary Era, including military and tavern-related artifacts, art, documents, and maps.
Unknown artist, “The Inauguration of Washington” from Heroes of History and Their Grand Achievements, 1903
Print, 8 13/16" h x 5 15/16" w
Fraunces Tavern Museum, TR2019.01.020. Gift of Kent D. and Tina K. Worley
This print, captioned “The Inauguration of Washington,” comes from the book Heroes of History and Their Grand Achievements by history author Henry Davenport Northrop (1836-1909). The book was first published by National Publishing Co., Philadelphia in 1903. Embellished with detailed illustrations, this 38-chapter collection tells the stories of pioneers, explorers, naval and military commanders, nurses, juvenile heroes, and other significant figures of history.
Let it be understood that the object of this superb work is to afford examples of men and women who stood at the post of duty in spite of sacrifices and dangers, and command the world's admiration…This magnificent work is a splendid record of the world's heroes and heroines. It ought to be the companion of every person in our country. It is worthy of a place in every American home.
The first page of Heroes of History and Their Grand Achievements, 1903.
“The Inauguration of Washington” is featured in Chapter XVIII, which highlights the life and accomplishments of George Washington. The chapter opens with the following lines of praise:
Hero of the American Revolution—Dutiful and Affectionate Son—Calm and Resolute in Danger—Commander of the American Army—Leader in the Great Struggle for Freedom and Independence—First President—Father of his Country.
As Chapter XVIII shows, George Washington is a revered figure in American history and was an obvious choice for the new Nation’s first president. Washington was a national hero from Virginia—the largest state at the time—and boasted practical experience. He served as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and was president of the 1787 Constitutional Convention. Washington’s inauguration is only briefly discussed in the text, and though the chapter is highly illustrated, this print is one of only two full-page illustrations in the section.
George Washington’s inauguration took place on April 30, 1789 in New York City. “The Inauguration of Washington” appears to depict the scene that occurred at Federal Hall, where Washington took the presidential oath of office. With his hands on a bible, Washington said the following:
I, George Washington, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
The oath was administered by Robert R. Livingston, the Chancellor of New York, on a second-floor balcony before a crowd of approximately 10,000 in the streets below. After the oath, Livingston exclaimed, "Long live George Washington, President of the United States!"
George Washington's First Inaugural Address published in the Gazette of the United States, May 2, 1789, detail (GLC03518), the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.
After the oath, Washington delivered the first inaugural address to Congress in the Senate Chamber, which highlighted the principles of the American democratic revolution:
The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the republican model of government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.
Presidential inaugurations have not deviated much from this first event, though the traditional celebrations have changed over the years. Today, Presidential inaugurations serve to not only honor the incoming president, but also to celebrate the American democratic process and the transfer of presidential power.
Bibliography
Berggren, Jason. n.d. "Presidential Election Of 1789". Mountvernon.Org. https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/presidential-election-of-1789/.
"First Inaugural Address". n.d. National Archives. https://www.archives.gov/legislative/features/gw-inauguration.
"George Washington’S First Inaugural Address, 1789". n.d. Gilderlehrman.org. https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-resources/spotlight-primary-source/george-washington%E2%80%99s-first-inaugural-address-1789#:~:text=George%20Washington's%20First%20Inaugural%20Address%20published%20in%20the%20Gazette%20of,first%20inauguration%20for%20March%201789.
Northrop, Henry Davenport. 1903. Makers Of The World's History And Their Grand Achievements. Philadelphia: National Publishing Co.
"Presidential Inaugurations". n.d. Whitehousehistory.Org. https://www.whitehousehistory.org/presidential-inaugurations.
"The Inauguration Of George Washington, 1789". 2005. Eyewitnesstohistory.Com. http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/washingtoninaug.htm#:~:text=In%20February%20of%20the%20following,to%20be%20its%20first%20president.&text=His%20journey%20to%20New%20York,new%20president%20along%20the%20way.
