Engraving of Front Elevation of Federal Hall

Engraving of front elevation of Federal Hall by Amos Doolittle after Pierre Lacour.

Image depicts George Washington's first inauguration, April 30, 1789; Chancellor of the State of New York, Robert Livingston, administering the oath of the original "Federal Hall." Previously the New York City Hall, this building hosted the Continental Congress from 1785 to 1789 and the First U.S. Congress from 1789 to 1790 as the first Capitol of the United States. President Washington's office was located on the second floor, along with the Senate chamber.