Splendid Hall
Notable Ceremonies
Inaugurations
The Old Hall of the House, now known as Statuary Hall was used for joint meetings with the Senate, ceremonies, and public lectures, in addition to the business of lawmaking. The Chamber is still used for ceremonies honoring foreign dignitaries and for special events in Statuary Hall such as the inaugural luncheon. Except under extraordinary circumstances, the President takes the oath of office at the Capitol in the presence of the Congress. Six inaugurations were held in Statuary Hall, those of James Monroe, James Madison, Andrew Jackson, John Quincy Adams, and Millard Fillmore.
James Monroe (1758-1831)
James Monroe's second inauguration in 1821 was forced indoors by heavy snow and rain. Over two thousand people crowded into the newly reconstructed Hall of the House, where, for the first time, a band played during the entrance and departure of the President.
James Madison (1751-1836)
A Member of the House in the first four Congresses, was inaugurated here in 1809 and 1813. Ten thousand people gathered outside the Capitol for his first inauguration.
Andrew Jackson (1767-1845)
Andrew Jackson's inauguration in 1833 was driven inside this Hall by snow, freezing temperatures and high winds. For the first time, the President was received at the Capitol by the mayor of Washington and members of the city council.
John Quincy Adams (1767-1848)
John Quincy Adams was inaugurated here in 1825. Outgoing President James Monroe established the tradition of escorting his successor to the Capitol.
Millard Fillmore (1800-1874)
Millard Fillmore's inauguration in 1850 was the last in a House chamber. It occurred after the sudden death of President Zachary Taylor. This swearing-in was conducted quickly and solemnly, befitting a Nation in mourning.
The First Foreign Dignitary
The Marquis de Lafayette, hero of the American Revolution, visited all 24 states in the Union during his triumphal return in 1824-25. Everywhere he went he was greeted with parades and ceremonies.
This portrait of the Marquis de Lafayette (top left), based on one made from life and given by the artist to the House of Representatives on the occasion of Lafayette's visit in 1824, hung in the Old Hall of the House until it was moved to the present House Chamber in 1858.
In this Hall, on December 10, 1824, Lafayette became the first foreign dignitary to address a joint meeting of the House and Senate. He concluded as follows (see photograph of handwriting at left):
“Sir, I have been allowed, forty years ago, before a Committee of a Congress of thirteen states, to express the fond wishes of an American heart. On this day I have the honor, and enjoy the delight, to congratulate the Representatives of the Union, so vastly enlarged, on the realization of those wishes, even beyond every human expectation, and upon the almost infinite prospects we can with certainty anticipate.”
Congressman John Quincy Adams delivered a eulogy to a joint session of Congress in the Old Hall of the House when Lafayette died in 1834.
Portrait of Lafayette (1757-1834) Probably by Matthew Harris Jouett (1788-1827) after Ary Sheffer, Oil on Canvas circa 1825 Photo courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery.
Lafayette's address to Congress Marquis de Lafayette Notecard 1824 Source: Lafayette College, Marquis de Lafayette Collection, David Bishop Skillman Library.
The photograph of General Lafayette's address to Congress, written on a notecard in longhand. The text of the address reads as follows: “Sir, I have been allowed, forty years ago, before a Committee of a Congress of thirteen states, to express the fond wishes of an American heart. On this day I have the honor, and enjoy the delight, to congratulate the Representatives of the Union, so vastly enlarged, on the realization of those wishes, even beyond every human expectation, and upon the almost infinite prospects we can with certainty anticipate.”
Oration on the Life and Character of Gilbert Motier de Lafayette Gales and Seaton 1835
A photograph of the oration cover entitled “Oration on the Life and Character of Gilbert motier de Lafayette....” It makes mention of the eulogy delivered by Congressman John Quincy Adams to a joint session of Congress in the Old House Chamber.
