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A Look Back at William Howard Taft’s Snowy Presidential Inauguration

  • Published March 26, 2013
Taft & Roosevelt driving to Capitol, Mar. 4, 1909.
Take a look back at the snow-filled day when William Howard Taft was sworn in as President of the United States. Photos included! Learn more about the wintery inauguration and racing President Taft.
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Complaining about our bizarre weather? Try having your Presidential Inauguration in crappy, snowy weather. That’s what happened to our most rotund president (and latest Nats racing president).

Here is a photograph of him in the carriage with Teddy Roosevelt en route to the Capitol and his swearing in.

Taft & Roosevelt driving to Capitol, Mar. 4, 1909.
Taft & Roosevelt driving to Capitol, Mar. 4, 1909.
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And below are a few more photographs from that day, courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Photographers at President Taft's inauguration, March 4, 1909
Photographers at President Taft’s inauguration, March 4, 1909
Side view of Taft on balustrade in snow, with top hat in hand, gesturing to crowd before him on grounds of east front of Capitol, with photographers at left.
Side view of Taft on balustrade in snow, with top hat in hand, gesturing to crowd before him on grounds of east front of Capitol, with photographers at left.
President and Mrs. Taft leaving the Capitol to head the parade to the White House [March 4, 1909].
President and Mrs. Taft leaving the Capitol to head the parade to the White House [March 4, 1909].
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President Taft is here photographed with Edward F. Stallwagon [i.e. Edward J. Stellwagen], Chief of the Inaugural Committee, and with Vice President James S. Sherman--A severe blizzard hindered the ceremonies.
President Taft is here photographed with Edward F. Stallwagon [i.e. Edward J. Stellwagen], Chief of the Inaugural Committee, and with Vice President James S. Sherman–A severe blizzard hindered the ceremonies.

Today's Recommendation

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Another Amazing Night Photo of the Capitol, This Time from 1907

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