Inaugural History
1789 - George Washington
On April 30, 1789, the hero of the American Revolution took the oath of office, making him the first head of a new federal government. The new Constitution required the president to deliver an annual State of the Union, but the inaugural address was Washington's own idea. He felt the occasion called for a few formal remarks, thus establishing a tradition that has been followed by all of his successors.
Author: CBS News Staff
Credit: AP
