Photos of the Presidential Inaugural Balls From Years Past
Photos of the Presidential Inaugural Balls From Years Past
Since the first official inaugural ball in 1809 during the Madison administration, the evening's festivities have served as the celebratory finale to a day steeped in tradition. While there is no doubt that the 2021 Presidential inauguration will stray from years past, we're sure that the inauguration will still be marked in a special way. From dazzling First Lady fashions to spectacularly grand fêtes, here, take a look back at how past administrations have celebrated their first night in office.
1789: President George Washington
There was no formal ball arranged on inauguration night for the first President of the United States. Instead, George and Martha Washington were invited to an already planned dance in New York, where guests celebrated the occasion.
1809: President James Madison
It wasn't until 1809 that the first official inaugural ball took place. It was organized at the last minute by the President's close friends, held at Long's Hotel in Washington, D.C., and tickets cost $4. That night started a number of traditions, including the flurry of interest surrounding the First Lady's inaugural gown—Dolley Madison wore an off-white low-cut velvet dress.
1829: President Andrew Jackson
President Andrew Jackson welcomed supporters to the White House for his inaugural ball in 1829. However, some of the group soon grew rowdy. As a result, it became customary for the inaugural ball to be held at other venues.
1861: President Abraham Lincoln
Mary Todd Lincoln posed for a formal portrait in the off-the-shoulder floral ball gown she wore to her husband's inaugural ball in 1861. The First Lady paired the dress with a real floral sash and flower crown.
1865: President Abraham Lincoln
The National Portrait Gallery, the venue for Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural ball, lies empty ahead of the festivities. The President was sworn in for his second term on March 4, 1865 and was assassinated a month later.
1869: President Ulysses Grant
President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia Grant, are illustrated arriving at his inaugural ball in 1869. While Grant's first inauguration went off without a hitch, his second was held in a wooden ballroom built specifically for the occasion, but not suitable for the below freezing temperatures. Stories from the evening include guests huddled in overcoats and frozen champagne served in glasses.
1841: President Benjamin Harrison
Illustrations of President Benjamin Harrison's inaugural ball show elaborate garland decorations at the Pension Building in Washington, D.C.
1901: President William McKinley
For William McKinley's second inauguration, an artist illustrates him arriving at his inaugural ball, which was held on the evening of March 4, 1901.
1901: President William McKinley
This photo reveals the ballroom where President McKinley's second inaugural ball took place and reveals extensive decorations of garlands and lights for the celebration in 1901.
1913: President Woodrow Wilson
Woodrow Wilson was inaugurated in 1913; however, the President canceled the traditional inaugural ball, because the country was facing the reality of World War I. Wilson stated that a ball would be inappropriate. The decision marked the first time an inaugural ball had been suspended since 1853.
1921: President Warren Harding
When Warren Harding was named President-elect, his supporters urged him not to have an inaugural ball in response to what was happening in the country. Instead, a charity ball was thrown in his honor by Evalyn Walsh McLean. The tradition of charity balls continued throughout the Great Depression, with President Hoover and President Roosevelt following suit.
1933: President Franklin D. Roosevelt
President Roosevelt celebrated his inauguration with a ball in 1933 and his wife, Eleanor Roosevelt, didn't disappoint with her inaugural gown. Here, the First Lady poses in her silver and blue lamé stitched dress.
1941: President Franklin D. Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt poses once again—this time almost 10 years later at the start of her husband's fourth term—in a white silk ball gown for the inaugural ball in 1944.
1949: President Harry Truman
When Truman celebrated his second term in 1949, the President went all out for his inaugural ball. The event ended up breaking records for its expensive bill.
1953: President Dwight Eisenhower
At his first inauguration in 1953, Dwight Eisenhower is joined by his wife, Mamie Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, and his wife, Patricia Nixon. There were two inaugural balls held in honor of Eisenhower that evening, one in the Armory and the other in the McDonough Gymnasium at Georgetown University.
1953: President Dwight Eisenhower
Although there were two official balls in 1953, a high demand for invitations led to packed venues, which were almost at double capacity.
1957: President Dwight Eisenhower
The President's second inauguration included a ball at the National Guard Armory in Washington, D.C. First Lady Mamie Eisenhower wore a gown similar to what she wore to her husband's first inauguration, which she purchased from Bonwit Teller for $500.
1961: President John F. Kennedy
Following a full day of inauguration events, the President and First Lady left the White House for the inaugural ball at the DC Armory. The President is seen in white tie, while Jacqueline Kennedy wears a white cape coat over her evening gown.
1961: President John F. Kennedy
After arriving at his inaugural ball, JFK greets his supporters and gives a few remarks to the hoards of ticket holders who came to celebrate. This comes a mere hours after his historic inaugural address, where he stated, "Ask not what your country can do you for—ask what you can do for your country."
1961: President John F. Kennedy
While seated in the wings of the DC Armory, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson speaks with the First Lady and President. Jacqueline Kennedy stunned in a white chiffon and sequin evening gown designed by Oleg Cassini.
1965: President Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon Johnson shares the first dance at his inaugural ball with his wife, Lady Bird Johnson. The new First Lady wore a yellow satin ball gown designed by John Moore. The dress was later gifted to the Smithsonian for preservation.
1965: President Lyndon B. Johnson
President Johnson's first term in office officially began after the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963, but the 36th President did not hold an inaugural ball until he won the Presidential election in 1964.
1969: President Richard Nixon
President Richard Nixon and his wife, Patricia Nixon, attend the inaugural ball at the Natural Museum of American History in 1969.
1973: President Richard Nixon
At the beginning of Richard Nixon's second inaugural ball, the President gathered the First Family and the Vice President's family on stage for photographers, where he shared a few remarks. This tradition has continued in the years since his presidency.
1974: President Gerald Ford
President Gerald Ford was appointed Vice President in 1973 after the resignation of Vice President Spiro Agnew—and a year later he was appointed President after Richard Nixon's resignation due to the Watergate scandal. He was the only President to enter office without being elected and, due to the circumstances of his appointment, did not have an inaugural ball.
1977: President Jimmy Carter
After his win against incumbent President Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn Carter were photographed greeting fans on the way to the inaugural ball in 1977.
1977: President Jimmy Carter
The couple share a dance at the inaugural ball in 1977. Rosalynn Carter wears an elaborate blue chiffon evening gown with gold brocade detailing. Her dress and jacket were designed by Mary Matise for Jimmae.
1981: President Ronald Reagan
The Reagans depart from the White House in 1981 en route to the inaugural balls—yes, plural. The couple came under fire for the expense of their inaugural festivities, which included eight balls held at expensive venues, like The Kennedy Center and the Pension Building.
1981: President Ronald Reagan
President Reagan shares his first dance with his wife, Nancy Reagan. No stranger to a black tie event, the former Hollywood actress stunned in a white one-shoulder column gown with silver beading, designed by James Galanos.
1985: President Ronald Reagan
When Ronald Reagan was elected for a second term, the President and his wife looked no less chic. Nancy Reagan wore Jimmy Galanos once again, this time in the form of a white beaded long-sleeve gown with padded shoulders.
1989: President George H. W. Bush
President Bush shares his first dance with his wife, Barbara Bush, at his inaugural ball in 1989. Bush defeated Democratic candidate Michael Dukakis in the election and went on to serve one term as President.
1993: President Bill Clinton
President Bill Clinton gives Hillary Clinton a twirl as they share the first dance at his inaugural ball. The First Lady looked lovely in a purple beaded ball gown with a tulle skirt that was designed by Sarah Phillips.
1993: President Bill Clinton
During his campaign, Bill Clinton became known for his saxophone skills. As such, the newly-appointed President decided to join in with the band on the night of his inauguration.
1997: President Bill Clinton
While celebrating his second inauguration, the Clintons shared a dance at the inaugural ball. Hillary Clinton opted for a long-sleeve lace gold gown designed by Oscar de la Renta.
2001: President George W. Bush
In order to attend all of the inaugural balls thrown in George W. Bush's honor in January 2001, the couple could only dance for an estimated 29 to 50 seconds at each event. Here, First Lady Laura Bush looks striking in a red lace long-sleeve gown by Texas designer Michael Faircloth.
2005: President George W. Bush
President and First Lady Bush attend the inaugural ball on the night of his second Presidential inauguration in 2005. To celebrate, they shared a dance on the Presidential seal at their event.
2005: President George W. Bush
The President and First Lady were joined by their daughters, Jenna and Barbara Bush, at the events in 2005. The teenagers looked stunning next to their mother, who wore a blue long-sleeve beaded ball gown by Oscar de la Renta.
2009: President Barack Obama
President Obama celebrated his historic win as the first Black President of the United States in 2009. Wearing a white chiffon evening gown designed by Jason Wu, First Lady Michelle Obama joined the President for the first dance to "At Last" by Etta James, which Beyoncé sang.
2013: President Barack Obama
The Obamas celebrate another Presidential term in the White House with a dance at Barack's second inaugural ball. The First Lady, again wearing Jason Wu, looked sensational in a chiffon and velvet red evening gown.
2017: President Donald Trump
Donald Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, dance at the inaugural ball honoring his appointment as the 45th President of the United States. For the evening's events, the First Lady wore an off-the-shoulder white gown with a red sash, designed by Carolina Herrera's former creative director, Hervé Pierre.
Starting with the first one way back in 1809.