Presidential Fun Fact of the Day

Some tidbits from James Monroe's inaugurals:

1. Monroe's 1817 procession to the Capitol had not only the militiamen Madison had used, but also hundreds of people on horseback. The inaugural parade was slowly developing.

2. His second inauguration fell on a Sunday and was postponed until Monday. Since his first term officially ended at noon Sunday, there was--strictly speaking--no President for 24 hours.

3. His first inaugural was held outdoors due to a last-minute decision. He and Speaker of the House Henry Clay had a quarrel, and Clay then insisted the floor of the House would not support such a large audience. The weather was warm enough that Monroe responded that he would just hold it outside.

4. The warm weather for Monroe's first inauguration was unusual for Washington, D.C. on March 4. It was the first D.C. inaugural to be outside (George Washington's was outside in New York City), and the second one was scheduled to be held outside as well. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate and it had to be moved back indoors.

Posted by Jennifer at February 25, 2004 09:08 AM

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