6. All Accounts of George Washington’s Inaugural Address to Congress Featured a Grave, Somber and Quiet George Washington

Photo via Wikimedia: public domain

Senators and Representatives wrote that George Washington’s inaugural address featured a nervous speech; so quiet many mentioned having to sit on the edge of their seats to hear him speak.

On the day of the inauguration, he wore a simple brown suit woven from fabric from a mill in Hartford, Connecticut. Silver buttons featuring eagles adorned the suit, as well as white stockings, black shoes with buckles and a steel-hinted dress sword.

Though greeted with a street full of cheering crowds; George Washington never addressed the crowds after taking the Oath of Office; only placing his hand to his heart and bowing several times from Federal Hall’s second story balcony.