Rare Photograph of James Buchanan’s Inauguration at the East Front of the Capitol Building

Published February 18, 2014

Check out this rare photo of James Buchanan's Inauguration at the East Front of the Capitol Building on March 4th, 1857. It's a little blurry and not the highest resolution, but amazing nevertheless. Click on the top image and find out what you see.

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This is an extremely rare photograph of James Buchanan‘s Inauguration at the East Front of the Capitol Building on March 4th, 1857. It’s a little blurry and not the highest resolution, but amazing nevertheless. The exposure took four seconds, which caused the blurriness of some of the people. It makes the photo a little spooky and ghost-like.

James Buchanan's Inauguration 1857 — James Buchanan’s Inauguration 1857

Source: Library of Congress

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Check out this part of the photo. The two men in the front seem to be having a conversation. I wonder what about … perhaps they voted for California Republican John Fremont? Maybe they’re talking about the fact that Buchanan was a bachelor president at the age of 65. Also, the fashion of the day was pretty impeccable.

This is not safe. Look at the large crowd gathered on the roof of the building. They’re only held back by a rickety wooden fence.

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How about this duo? They guy on the right has an odd hat. Any GoDCers know what kind of hat that is? Maybe it signifies his occupation? He also appears to be holding a cane in his right hand.