HARDING SWORN-IN AS 29TH POTUS
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On March 4, 1921, Warren G. Harding was inaugurated as the 29th President of the United States. The ceremony took place at the Capitol at 1:18 p.m. Eastern time.
Outgoing President Woodrow Wilson was forced to "forego attendance." The 28th president had planned to attend right up to the last minute, but "with the inauguration time near, Mr. Wilson was compelled to admit he could not go on."
As he departed the Capitol, Mr. Wilson "walked with a decided limp" (and) there was little animation in his face."
Woodrow Wilson was taken to his residence on S Street* where a crowd had gathered. Although he appeared at the window to acknowledge the people outside, the former president was physically unable to speak.
*The President Woodrow Wilson House, 2340 S Street, NW, Washington, D.C., was the home of Mr. & Mrs. Wilson after his tenure as POTUS. After his death in 1924, Mrs. Edith Wilson continued to live here until her death in 1961.
The home is located in the Kalorama neighborhood. WW is the only POTUS to make Washington his permanent home after his term of office.
SOURCES
"The President Woodrow Wilson House," www.woodrowwilsonhouse.org/
"Wilson A Pathetic Figure as He Retires In an Atmosphere of Deep Sympathy," by Arthur Chapman, March 5, 1921, New York Tribune, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
