George Washington took the first presidential oath at the 1789 inauguration that began the U.S. government celebrated by America250.
Washington's first inauguration occurred on April 30, 1789, at Federal Hall in New York City. The event followed the first presidential election under the Constitution, in which Washington was unanimously chosen by the Electoral College. John Adams became vice president after receiving the second-highest electoral vote.
New York Chancellor Robert Livingston administered the oath of office on the building's balcony. Washington then delivered his inaugural address to the Senate and House of Representatives, which were meeting in the same city. The ceremony marked the launch of the presidency under the new constitutional system.
Washington had previously commanded the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and had presided over the Constitutional Convention. His inauguration was not held in Washington, D.C.; the federal capital moved there later, in 1800, during John Adams's presidency.