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James Monroe
Second Inaugural Address
Monday, March 5, 1821

In 1821, March 4 fell on a Sunday for the first time that presidential inaugurations had been observed. Although his previous term had expired on Saturday, the President waited until the following Monday upon the advice of Chief Justice Marshall, before going to the newly rebuilt Hall of the House of Representatives to take the oath of office. Because the weather was cold and wet, the ceremonies were conducted indoors. The change in the location caused some confusion and many visitors and dignitaries were unable to find a place to stand inside the building.