Timeline: Inaugural Parade Facts

Apr 30, 1789

First Parade

George Washington Walks in the first Inaugural Parade. (Image Source: JCCIC)

Mar 4, 1837

First Floats Appear in Inaugural Procession

Van Buren Inauguration
President Martin Van Buren was the first president to march in an inaugural procession containing parade floats.

Mar 4, 1853

Firemen Reject Pierce

D.C. Firemen refused to march in Franklin Pierce's Inaugural Parade after the president did not attend a ball they threw in his honor. The president did not send his regrets.

Mar 4, 1865

African Americans March in Parade

African Americans marched in the Inaugural Parade for the first time, following President Abraham Lincoln's inauguration for a second term in office.

Mar 4, 1909

Helen Taft Joins Parade

Taft Inaugurated Helen Taft established the precedent of riding with her husband in the Inaugural Parade.

Mar 5, 1917

Woodrow Wilson Welcomes Women

Woordrow Wilson was the first president to include women in his Inaugural Parade.

Mar 4, 1921

Warren Harding Takes Car to Inauguration

President Warren G. Harding became the first president to take a car to his inauguration. (Image Source: JCCIC)

Jan 20, 1945

First Parade Cancelled Due to War

Franklin Delano Roosevelt's fourth inaugural parade was cancelled due to World War II.

Jan 20, 1953

The Parade Expands For Eisenhower

President Eisenhower's Inaugural Parade was the largest and longest in history. (Image Source: National Park Service)

Jan 20, 1961

Kennedy's Inaugural Parade

The Army Corps of Engineers and D.C. employees used dump trucks, plows, and flame throwers to clear snow from the parade route in front of President John F. Kennedy.