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Where was the first inauguration? On the balcony of Federal Hall in New York on April 30, 1789, for George Washington. John Adams, the second president, took the oath of office in Philadelphia. The first presidential inauguration in the nation's then-new capital, Washington, was for Thomas Jefferson in 1801.

Which president was elected with only 40 percent of the vote and had to slip into town before his inauguration for fear of being assassinated? Abraham Lincoln, in 1861.

What's the only part of the inauguration that's required by the U.S. Constitution? The taking of the oath of office, which is in Article II, Section 1, Clause 8.

Which president's inauguration was so rowdy that he was chased out of the White House by the crowd and spent the night at a hotel? Andrew Jackson's, in 1829. Jackson threw open the executive mansion to his supporters, numbering in the thousands. They reportedly destroyed some furniture, broke china and had fistfights.

Which president had the first Jan. 20 inauguration? Franklin D. Roosevelt, at his second inauguration, in 1937. The date was changed by the 20th Amendment to the Constitution in 1933, but wasn't implemented until 1937.

Which president had four inaugurations? FDR, the only president elected more than twice.

Why did Ronald Reagan move the ceremony to the west front of the U.S. Capitol from the traditional site on the east front? Partly as a symbolic gesture to his Western roots and partly to save money. The west front looks over the National Mall toward the Washington Monument, so more people could see the ceremony from the lawn, saving the expense of building more temporary stands.

Which two presidents invited poets to read at their inaugurations? John F. Kennedy featured Robert Frost in 1961. Bill Clinton shared his stage with Maya Angelou in 1993 and with Miller Williams in 1997.

Which president's inauguration first had electric lights? Grover Cleveland's second, in 1893.

Who delivered the longest inaugural address, and who the shortest? The longest speech was William Henry Harrison in 1841 at 8,444 words. The shortest was George Washington's second, at 135 words.