Ulysses S. Grant inaugurated as 18th US President

Background. Ulysses S. Grant, a war hero and former Commanding General of the Union Army, was unanimously nominated by the Republican Party and elected president in 1868. He had been promoted to General of the Army in 1866 — background context rather than a direct precursor to the ceremony. On March 4, 1869, he was sworn in as president. Outgoing president Andrew Johnson did not attend the inaugural ceremonies, as he and Grant refused to sit with each other in the carriage going to them; Johnson also refused to travel in a separate carriage and instead stayed at the White House signing last-minute legislation.

Ceremonial Details. The 21st presidential inauguration was held at the East Portico of the United States Capitol. The inaugural parade was grander than previous ones, requiring special tickets for Capitol admission. Eight full divisions of soldiers marched down Pennsylvania Avenue, and windows overlooking the route sold for high prices, indicating the event's prominence.

Policy Statements. At Grant's 1869 inauguration, he said he would favor any course towards Native Americans which tended to their civilization, Christianization, and ultimate citizenship. In his inaugural address he urged the ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment, which was ratified in 1870, after the inauguration, granting African Americans suffrage rights. He also called for a faithful collection of the revenue, strict accountability to the Treasury for every dollar collected, and the greatest practicable retrenchment in expenditure in every department of Government.