First inauguration of George Washington
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| Date | April 30, 1789 |
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| Location |
Federal Hall, New York City |
| Participants |
President of the United States, George Washington |
The first inauguration of George Washington as the first President of the United States was held on April 30, 1789 on the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City, New York. The inauguration marked the commencement of the first four-year term of George Washington as President. Chancellor of New York Robert Livingston administered the presidential oath of office. With his inauguration, the executive branch of the United States government officially began operations under the new frame of government established by the 1787 Constitution. The first term of John Adams as Vice President commenced on April 21, 1789, when he took the vice presidential oath of office.
The first presidential term started on March 4, 1789, the date set by the Congress of the Confederation for the beginning of operations of the federal government under the new U.S. Constitution. However, due to logistical delays, that did not happen. On that date, the House of Representatives and the Senate convened, but both soon adjourned due to lack of a quorum. As a result, the Presidential Electoral Votes could not be counted or certified. On April 1, the House convened with a quorum present for the first time, and the representatives began their work. The Senate first achieved a quorum on April 6. That same day, the House and Senate met in joint session and the electoral votes were counted. Washington and Adams were certified as having been elected president and vice president respectively.
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