Grant Sworn In As President in March 1869-A Gallery of Illustrations

The Inauguration of President Grant, Mar 4, 1869 Harpers Weekly Mar 20, 1869

Presidents were inaugurated in March in those days. This meant that the unpopular President Andrew Johnson held on to power for four months after Grant was elected.

Grant being sworn in by Chief Justice Salmon Chase From Frank Leslies

Traditionally, the outgoing president rode to the inauguration with the president-elect. Grant declined to ride with Andrew Johnson. Johnson refused to attend the ceremony, becoming the last president to fail to be present at the swearing-in of his successor. Here is how Grant’s wife Julia described the day:

“The General was triumphantly elected and on March 4, 1869, was inaugurated President of the United States. General Grant left his residence on I street in his own carriage accompanied by some friends. I know he did not ride up to the Capitol with the ex-President. He absolutely refused to do so. I went with a large party to the Capitol, where I heard the oath of office and listened with pride and emotion to the first inaugural address of my husband, the President. He stood for a moment, then bowed his acknowledgement to the wild huzzas of the great throng gathered around the Capitol. He received the greetings of a few friends standing near, then he turned and, hastening towards me, he stooped and kissed me on the cheek and, with a pleasant smile, handed me his first inaugural address. He passed on and drove in his own carriage to the White House. I returned with my party to our residence in I street.”

Below: Grant entering the White House after the Inauguration.