President Joe Biden’s Inauguration Ceremony went smoothly yesterday, despite security concerns and political tensions following the Storming of the U.S. Capitol on 6 January.

President Biden’s Inaugural Address stressed the theme of unity in a time of crisis.

This inauguration ceremony was a reminder of previous presidential inaugurations that have occurred during periods of serious political crisis.

President Lincoln’s First Inauguration was held in March 1861, during the Secession Crisis that led to the American Civil War.

The Newberry Library has posted an account of President Lincoln’s First Inauguration that was written by William W. Averell, a U.S. Army officer who was on leave and who traveled to Washington, D.C. for the inauguration.

The Newberry Library website discusses the account of President Lincoln’s Inauguration.