George Washington 's first inauguration took place on January 20 , 1789 , and not in the city named for him . Like fingerprints , no inaugural address is the same -- they come in all lengths , tones and with all kinds of different motives . As required by the Constitution , only two presidents chose to ` ` affirm '' rather than swear their office . Obama will be sworn - in twice ; once on Sunday in private and again on Monday in public . Inaugurations were predominantly on March 4 until 1937 . Since , January 20 is the date .
George Washington 's first inauguration took place on January 20 , 1789 , and not in the city named for him . As required by the Constitution , only two presidents chose to ` ` affirm '' rather than swear their office . Obama will be sworn - in twice ; once on Sunday in private and again on Monday in public . Inaugurations were predominantly on March 4 until 1937 . Since , January 20 is the date .