George Washington's first inauguration as U.S. president took place on April 30, 1789.
The ceremony occurred on the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City, then the nation's capital. Robert R. Livingston, chancellor of New York, administered the presidential oath before a large public crowd.
Washington's inauguration marked the practical beginning of the executive branch under the Constitution. Congress had already begun meeting in Federal Hall, and John Adams had taken office as vice president several days earlier.
The date is sometimes confused with March 4, the traditional former inauguration day. March 4, 1789, marked the start of the first presidential term in the constitutional timetable, but Washington did not take the oath until April 30 because of delays in travel, elections, and congressional organization.