Old Inauguration Day

Old Inauguration Day is an annual American holiday that commemorates historical changes to the U.S. Constitution regarding presidential and congressional inaugurations. It is celebrated every year on March 4. The date marks the original inauguration day for U.S. presidents before the 20th Amendment changed it to January 20.

History

Old Inauguration Day traces its origins to the ratification of the 20th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1933. Prior to this amendment, both presidential and congressional terms officially began on March 4 — a date established in the late 18th century when travel and communication were slow, and newly elected officials needed weeks to reach the capital.

However, this long transition period often left the government in a state of inactivity, known as the “lame duck” period, when the outgoing president and Congress retained power but lacked political momentum. To improve efficiency and ensure smoother transitions, the 20th Amendment moved the start of presidential terms to January 20 and congressional terms to January 3. This reform shortened the gap between elections and inaugurations and strengthened the continuity of government operations.

Interesting Facts

• The very first U.S. presidential inauguration took place on April 30, 1789, when George Washington was sworn in at Federal Hall in New York City, then the nation’s capital.
• William Henry Harrison delivered the longest inaugural address in U.S. history in 1841 — more than 8,000 words — and tragically caught pneumonia during the ceremony, dying a month later.
• Before 1933, every presidential inauguration from Thomas Jefferson to Franklin D. Roosevelt (first term) took place on March 4.

How to Take Part

Celebrate Old Inauguration Day by learning about the history of U.S. presidential inaugurations and the constitutional amendments that shaped them. Read the full text of the 20th Amendment and explore how it improved the transition of power.

You can also watch recordings or read transcripts of notable inaugural speeches to see how presidential priorities and rhetoric have evolved over time. Share interesting facts about past inaugurations on social media and ask others which one they find most memorable.

When is Old Inauguration Day in 2026?

Old Inauguration Day is observed annually on March 4.

Observations