Andrew Jackson sworn in as seventh President of the United States

Background. Andrew Jackson, who served as president from 1829 to 1837, defeated John Quincy Adams in the 1828 election. Adams's support from the Southern states eroded when he signed the Tariff of 1828, a tax on European imports that opponents called the "Tariff of Abominations." Jackson arrived in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 1829, but did not contact Adams, who had moved to a mansion on Meridian Hill in February 1829.

Ceremony. The inauguration took place on March 4, 1829, at the United States Capitol. It was the first time the ceremony was held on the East Portico, which had been built in 1828. The Capitol, the seat of the legislative branch, hosted this major event. Adams, embittered by his defeat, refused to attend, making this the second time an outgoing president skipped the inauguration of his successor.

Transition. Adams officially left the White House on the evening of March 3, the day before the inauguration. He had moved to a mansion on Meridian Hill in February 1829. Jackson arrived in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 1829, but did not contact Adams, nor did Adams invite him to the White House, reflecting the political tension following the 1828 election.