First inauguration of Ulysses S. Grant facts for kids
Grant delivering his first inaugural address at the United States Capitol, March 4, 1869.
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| Date | March 4, 1869 |
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| Location | United States Capitol, Washington, D.C. |
| Participants | Ulysses S. Grant 18th president of the United States — Assuming office Salmon P. Chase Chief Justice of the United States — Administering oath Schuyler Colfax 17th vice president of the United States — Assuming office Benjamin Wade President pro tempore of the United States Senate — Administering oath |
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The first inauguration of Ulysses S. Grant was a big event held on March 4, 1869. It took place at the United States Capitol building in Washington, D.C. This ceremony officially made Ulysses S. Grant the 18th president of the United States. It also marked the start of his first four-year term. Schuyler Colfax became the vice president on the same day.
Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase gave Grant the special presidential oath. This is a promise the president makes to protect the country. The president before Grant, Andrew Johnson, did not come to the ceremony. He and Grant had some disagreements. Johnson chose to stay at the White House instead. This was not the first time an outgoing president missed the inauguration. It also happened much later in 2021 when Donald Trump did not attend Joe Biden's inauguration.
Grant's inauguration day was very grand. Many people wanted to see the event. Special tickets were needed to get into the Capitol. A large parade marched down Pennsylvania Avenue. There were eight groups of soldiers in the parade. People even paid high prices to watch the parade from windows along the street. That evening, a big party called a ball was held in the Treasury Building.
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Grant's First Speech as President
President Grant wrote his first speech as president all by himself. This speech is called an Inaugural Address. He talked about three main things.
How Laws Should Work
Grant first spoke about how laws should be followed. He also talked about what a good president should do. He said:
I will always share my ideas with Congress and push for them. If I think a law is bad, I might use my power to stop it. But all laws will be followed, whether I like them or not.
I will suggest policies, but I won't force them if people don't agree. Laws must apply to everyone equally. The best way to get rid of a bad law is to make sure it is strictly followed.
Grant wanted everyone to know that he would enforce the laws fairly. He believed that if a law was truly bad, following it strictly would show everyone why it needed to change.
Paying Off War Debts
Next, Grant talked about the money the country owed from the Civil War. He promised to pay back this debt. He said:
We owe a lot of money from keeping our country together. We must pay back this money, plus interest. We should also go back to using gold for payments as soon as possible. This should happen without hurting people who owe money or the country.
To protect our country's honor, every dollar the government owes should be paid in gold. This is unless the agreement says otherwise. If we make it clear that no one who tries to avoid paying our debt will hold public office, it will make our country's credit strong. Our credit should be the best in the world. This will help us replace our debt with loans that have lower interest rates. We also need to collect taxes carefully. Every dollar collected must be accounted for. And every government department should spend as little as possible.
Grant wanted the country to be financially strong. He believed that paying off the war debt was important for the nation's honor and future.
Supporting Voting Rights
Finally, Grant strongly supported the Fifteenth Amendment. This important change to the Constitution was approved in 1870. It gave African American men the right to vote. Grant said:
The question of voting rights will likely cause problems as long as some citizens are not allowed to vote in any state. I think it is very important that this issue is settled now. I hope and wish that it will be settled by approving the fifteenth amendment to the Constitution.
Grant believed that all citizens should have the right to vote. He saw the Fifteenth Amendment as a way to make the country fairer.
How People Reacted to the Speech
People across America liked Grant's speech. Newspapers and citizens thought it was "brief, clear, strong, and to the point." The public felt more confident in Grant's leadership. They believed he understood his responsibilities and was ready for the challenges ahead.
Messages from Europe
After the inauguration, Grant received special messages from leaders in Europe. These were telegrams congratulating him.
Berlin, March 4th.
President Gen. Grant, White House, Washington, D.C.:
My warm congratulations on this important day.—(Signed) BISMARCK
To President Grant, Washington: In honor of the man and the day, three cheers for the president.
—Members of the Berlin Exchange, FRITZ MAYER
Celebrations in Other Cities
Many American cities also celebrated Grant's inauguration. Here are a few examples:
Indianapolis Celebrates
In Indianapolis, Indiana, a special prayer meeting was held. It was organized by the Young Men's Christian Association. People from different Christian groups came together. They prayed for good things for the new president and his team.
San Francisco's Festivities
In San Francisco, California, cannons fired a salute. Public buildings and main streets were decorated with flags. This was all to celebrate Grant becoming president.
Nashville Reads the Speech
In Nashville, Tennessee, Grant's speech arrived by 3:30 PM. People eagerly looked for it and read it. While some parts about voting rights seemed unclear to them, overall, the speech was well-received.
See also
- Presidency of Ulysses S. Grant
- Second inauguration of Ulysses S. Grant
- 1868 United States presidential election
