James K. Polk 1845 presidential inauguration

The inauguration of James K. Polk as the 11th President of the United States took place on Tuesday, March 4, 1845, a very rainy day with morning thunderstorms. The inauguration marked the commencement of the only four-year term of James K. Polk as President and George M. Dallas as Vice President. Polk was sworn in at the East Portico of the United States Capitol by Chief Justice Roger B. Taney. This was the first inaugural ceremony to be reported... more

The inauguration of James K. Polk as the 11th President of the United States took place on Tuesday, March 4, 1845, a very rainy day with morning thunderstorms. The inauguration marked the commencement of the only four-year term of James K. Polk as President and George M. Dallas as Vice President. Polk was sworn in at the East Portico of the United States Capitol by Chief Justice Roger B. Taney. This was the first inaugural ceremony to be reported by telegraph and to be shown in a newspaper illustration (in The Illustrated London News). less