Monroe inaugurated as fifth U.S. President, Tompkins as sixth VP 200 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Mar 4 1817)

(Tuesday, March 4, 1817, midday local time) — Secretary of State James Monroe of Virginia was inaugurated today as the fifth President of the United States in front of the Old Brick Capitol (where the Supreme Court building now stands) with Chief Justice John Marshall administering the oath of office.

Monroe, a Democratic-Republican, succeeded Democratic-Republican President James Madison (who did not seek a third term) after easily defeating Federalist Senator Rufus King of New York in the United States presidential election of 1816.

Former Governor Daniel D. Tompkins of New York was inaugurated as the sixth Vice President of the United States (the office had been vacant since the 1814 death of Vice President Elbridge Gerry).

This was the first U.S. presidential inauguration held outdoors.


Video: 'James Monroe | 60-Second Presidents | PBS'