Inauguration Parade Lights Up Washington Streets
Washington marked William McKinley’s re installation with a grand inauguration day. The scene featured a Capitol front oath by the chief justice, a national parade along Pennsylvania Avenue, and a vast ball at the pension building. Thousands cheered as troops escorted dignitaries, while the Senate ceremony drew elite guests to witness the oath and address.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Senate
Capitol
Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington
William McKinley
United States
Capitol Plaza
Congress
The
Willum McKinley
White House
Troosevelt
Mr. McKinley
Franklin Pierce
Parade a Monster in Honor of President McKinley
A vast military and civic pageant celebrated President McKinley with 65 000 in line. All military branches were represented as crowds filled sidewalks and stands while bands played constitutional airs and a 10 000 voice national chorus proclaimed one flag over one people.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
McKinley
John Brown
Georgia
Dixie
Maryland
North
South
America
Grand Second Inauguration Parade Honors McKinley
A detailed account of McKinley's second inaugural day highlights a grand procession through Washington. The massive pageant featured 1 200 cavalry, 3 000 regular infantry, 15 000 National Guardsmen, 10 000 civic marchers, and 2 000 college students, with military bands and numerous floats representing national progress and heritage. Brig. Gen. Joe Wheeler led the second division, while Lieut. Gen. Nellon A. Miles served as grand marshal for the ceremonies.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Maine
Massachusetts
Vermont
Connecticut
New York
Pennsylvania
Maryland
Ohio
Ilinois
New Jersey
Michigan
Virginian
Alabama
Tippecanoe Club
Cleveland
Stamina Club
Cincinnati
Joe Wheeler
Algerston Sartoris
Grant
Charles
Pyrotechnic Display Delights Inaugural Festivities
A grand fireworks show featured forty seven aerial pieces with diverse designs and a bombardment of rockets and candles. The set pieces depicted Roosevelt, San Juan Hill, Manila, Cervera’s fleet, Pekin entry, and the rescue of the American legation. Contract price for aerials was $3,000 with extra for set pieces. A guard protected spectators while a sub committee watched compliance.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Roosevelt
San Juan Hill
Santiago
Manila
Cervera
Pekin
Reviewing Stands At Inaugural Parade Controlled By Committee
The inaugural committee supervised stands along the parade route this year instead of auctioning them to the highest bidders. Seats were sold under committee direction at reasonable prices to prevent extortion. The aim was to improve decoration and harmony with nearby buildings while featuring notable bands, including the Indian training school band from Chamberlain, South Dakota.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Sippi
Chamberlain, S. D
Inauguration Ball: Fairy Tale of Democratic Pomp
The inauguration ball at the pension building dazzled with vast floral draperies, white and gold decor, and electric lights. A Marine band and Haley's 125-piece orchestra provided continuous music, with a 600-voice chorus backing, as five concerts charged nominal admissions to help cover hall costs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Pension
Great Republic
Genestas
Haley
THE NAVAL DISPLAY AT THE INAUGURATION
The inauguration naval pageant featured light draft but capable ships due to the Potomac depth. Monitors and torpedo craft reached the docks, with the monitor Puritan, several torpedo boats, swift cruisers, and tugs. Vessels lined the navy yard wharves for easy visitor access to inspect America’s powerful river‑capable fleet.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Navy Yard
Uncle Sam
McKinley Inaugural Review of Four Year Record
President McKinley’s inaugural address reviews the 1896 verdict as largely fulfilled, praising victory in war with Spain and urging peaceful arbitration. He calls for national unity, outlines Cuba and Philippines policy, and stresses orderly transfer of control to self governing Cuba and eventual local government in the Philippines under American sovereignty and law.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
McKinley
Spain
Unien
Republic
United States
China
Cuba
Ariny
Congress
Philippines
Philippine Islands
The
Inauguration Music Attracts Bands From Across Nation
The inauguration drew about a hundred organizations, with the Marine Band sharing honors with Fanchulli's New York group and Innes' celebrated musicians. Canton Ohio's Grand Army Band, 100 pieces, and Bellstedt's Concert Band of Cincinnati were among the most prominent groups.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Marine Band
Fanchulli
New York
Innes
Grand Army Band
Canton
Ohio
Bellstedt
Cincinnati
Also Mentioned on This Page
United Stated
Supreme Conrt
United States of America
Senate Galleriea
James Madison
William Wremley
Theodore Roosevelt
Hion J . Edson
Munda Bay
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!