While researching President Lincoln’s first inauguration on March 4, 1861, (see photo below) I came across this interesting tidbit of information.

The first presidential inauguration (President George Washington) was held on April 30, 1789. Following inaugurations from 1793 to 1933 were held on March 4. Why? March 4 was the day the federal government began operating under the United States Constitution. If March 4 fell on a Sunday. Then the inauguration was held the day after, March 5. Which happened on four occasions: 1821, 1849, 1877, and 1917.

The Twentieth Amendment to the Constitution reestablished the beginning terms of the president and vice president from March 4 to January 20. Also, the term for the members of congress was changed to March 4 to January 3. The Twentieth Amendment was adopted on January 23, 1933.