The
first inaugural ball at the Pension Building was held by Grover Cleveland in
1885. The building was still under construction and lacked a roof or floor. Construction resumed after the 1885 ball.
Pension Bureau - Interior - Construction (1884) by Montgomery MeigsNational Building Museum
Construction of the Pension Building (1884).
1885 preparing for the inauguration construction activities (1885)National Building Museum
Grover Cleveland was the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms, first in 1885 and again later in 1893. Image of preparing for the inauguration construction activities (1885).
1885 Illustration from Grover Cleveland's Inaugural Ball (1885)National Building Museum
The first inaugural ball at the Pension Building was held by Grover Cleveland in 1885. The tradition continues to the present day.
1885 Plan of the Ball Room (1885-03-03)National Building Museum
The Pension Building floor plan during Cleveland's inaugural ball (1885).
1885 Commemorative Cleveland Invitation Card (1885-03-04)National Building Museum
Commemorative Cleveland Invitation Card (1885).
1893 Cleveland Inaugural illustration_NARANational Building Museum
Inaugural ball at the Pension Building following the inauguration of Grover Cleveland as 24th President of the United States, 4 March 1893. Drawing by Thure de Thulstrup.
1889 Benjamin Harrison's Inaugural Ball (1889-03-09) by C.M. BellNational Building Museum
The inauguration of Benjamin Harrison as the 23rd President of the United States (1889).
1889 Dancing at Benjamin Harrison's BallNational Building Museum
Dancing at Benjamin Harrison's inaugural ball (1889).
1889 Stereograph of Inaugural BallNational Building Museum
Stereograph from Benjamin Harrison's inaugural ball (1889).
1893 Cleveland Inaugural illustration_NARANational Building Museum
The second inauguration of Grover Cleveland as the 24th President of the United States (1893).
1893 Cleveland-(2nd-inauguration)National Building Museum
Cleveland's inaugural ball invitation for his second inauguration (1893).
1893 Cleveland Second Inaugural Ball (1893)National Building Museum
A light snowfall the night before the inauguration discouraged spectators from attending Cleveland's second inauguration. The inaugural ball at the Pension Building featured the new invention of electric lights.
1897 William McKinley Inaugural Ball (1897)National Building Museum
William McKinley's Inaugural Ball (1897).
Inaugural Ball of William McKinley (1901) by Frances Benjamin JohnstonNational Building Museum
Inaugural Ball of William McKinley (1901).
1901 Inaugural Ball (William McKinley) National Building Museum collectionNational Building Museum
William McKinley's second inauguration celebrated the success of the recently concluded Spanish American War. His Vice President, Theodore Roosevelt, was a popular figure from the war.
1901 Inaugural Ball (William McKinley) National Building Museum collection. (2)National Building Museum
William McKinley's 1905 inauguration was the first inauguration and ball to take place in the 20th century, also celebrating the 25th president of the United States.
1905 Roosevelt Inaugural great hallNational Building Museum
Theodore Roosevelt's Inaugural Ball in the Pension Building's Great Hall (1905).
1905 TR chair and plantsNational Building Museum
Chairs and plants from Theodore Roosevelt's 1905 inaugural ball. The energetic President took his first oath of office upon the death of President McKinley, who died of an assassin's gunshot in 1901.
1901 Inaugural presidents suite_NARANational Building Museum
This is the PC Suite. It was often used for VIP gatherings or a private supper before the ball. His inaugural celebration was the largest and most diverse in memory, with cowboys, Native Americans, coal miners, and soldiers among the guests.
1905 view from balcony c2National Building Museum
Theodore Roosevelt did not have an inaugural parade until 1905. Veterans of Roosevelt's Spanish-American War Rough Riders charged along the parade route at full gallop.
1905 Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural ball (NBM Collection)National Building Museum
In March 1905, Roosevelt was inaugurated in Washington, D.C. with much celebration and fanfare.
Images and text from National Archives and Records Administration and the Library of Congress as well as the special collections of the National Building Museum.
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