James Buchanan inaugurated 15th President of the United States (1857)

James Buchanan was inaugurated as the 15th President of the United States on March 4, 1857, at the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. This event marked the commencement of his sole four-year term. During his inaugural address, Buchanan addressed the territorial question of slavery, expressing support for the Kansas-Nebraska Act and popular sovereignty.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Buchanan's inauguration followed his return from service as Minister to Britain under President Franklin Pierce, a post he held from 1853 to 1856.

Inauguration. The inauguration was held on Wednesday, March 4, 1857, at the East Portico of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. This was the 18th inauguration and marked the start of Buchanan's only four-year term. He took the oath of office from Chief Justice Roger B. Taney.

Inaugural Address. In his lengthy inaugural address, President Buchanan referred to the "Territorial Question" of slavery spreading into the West. He made it clear that he was in favor of the previously passed Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854, which allowed for popular sovereignty to decide on the issue.

People involved

Sources

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