On April 30th, 1789, one week after moving into the presidential residence,

Washington steps out the front door of the Greystone Mansion and into a horse-drawn coach.

The streets are packed with well-wishers who call out his name. Washington

waves but otherwise remains silent. He is calm but nervous as he is driven to Federal Hall on Wall Street where the crowds are even larger.

Locals and tourists alike have come to witness the first inauguration day.

George Washington is cheered as he steps from the carriage.

The crowd parts as he walks up the steps and strides out onto the public balcony in full view

of citizens, soldiers, and foreign diplomats.

Vice President John Adams is among the dozen dignitaries standing behind him.

At 6 feet 2, Washington stands several inches taller than Robert Livingston,

the Chancellor of the State of New York, who will administer the oath of office.

Washington faces Livingston and places his right hand on a Bible.

He wears a brown coat with britches, a matching vest, and pants with white stockings.

His long gray hair is pulled back off his face.

Washington repeats the simple 35-word oath of office outlined in the Constitution,

in which he promises to perform his presidential duties and defend that document.

Afterward, Washington raises the Bible to his lips kissing the holy book.

Livingston cries out to the crowd,

Long live George Washington, President of the United States.

Thunderous Cheers rock, lower Manhattan, followed by a salvo of 13 cannon blasts.

There will be fireworks later tonight, but for now that's supposed to be the end of the

ceremony.

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