20 Most Memorable Vice Presidential Inaugurations in U.S. History

The U.S. vice presidential inaugurations have marked some of the most memorable moments in the nation’s history, reflecting shifts in political power, breaking frontiers, and sudden moments of unforeseen crisis- from John Adams’s precedent-setting role as the first vice president to Kamala Harris breaking barriers as the first woman and person of color in the position. Every inauguration has a story to tell of its time, and the significance of the office in the country’s direction continues to be paramount.

1. John Adams (1789)

Gilbert Stuart from National Gallery of Art, Washington, D. C.

John Adams was the first vice president of the United States. He took the oath of office on April 21, 1789, in New York City, the temporary capital. His inauguration set the precedent for the role of the vice presidency in the new government. He would then later become the second President of the United States.

2. Thomas Jefferson (1797)

Rembrandt Peale from Wikipedia

Before becoming the third President, Jefferson served as vice president under John Adams. His inauguration marked the first and only time a vice president served under a president from an opposing political party. This unique political arrangement highlighted the evolving nature of early American politics.

3. Martin Van Buren (1833)

Mathew Benjamin Brady from Metropolitan Museum of Art

Martin Van Buren was inaugurated as vice president under Andrew Jackson. His period in office is notable for his significant influence on the policies of Jacksonians. He eventually succeeded Jackson in becoming the eighth president.

4. John Tyler (1841)

Mathew Brady from Wikipedia

President William Henry Harrison inaugurated Tyler as vice president on March 4, 1841. A month later, Harrison died, making Tyler the first vice president to assume the presidency upon the death of a sitting president. This established an important precedent for presidential succession.

5. Millard Fillmore (1849)

Mathew Benjamin Brady from Library of Congress

Fillmore was sworn in as vice president to Zachary Taylor, but his tenure was brief. After Taylor died in 1850, Millard Fillmore became president. His accession drove home the message that the vice president must be prepared to lead the country.

6. Andrew Johnson (1865)

Mathew Benjamin Brady from Wikipedia

On March 4, 1865, the vice-presidential inauguration of Andrew Johnson in his inebriated state during the ceremony made it infamous. His drunken address was highly criticized, which foreshadowed the tumultuous presidency that followed the killing of Lincoln.

7. Chester A. Arthur (1881)

Abraham Bogardus & Adam Cuerden from National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution

Arthur was inaugurated as vice-president for James A. Garfield. Upon the assassination of Garfield later in that year, Arthur quickly became president. His surprise promotion to the presidency underscored how much life in politics was very unpredictable.

8. Theodore Roosevelt (1901)

Adam Cuerden from Library of Congress

Theodore Roosevelt took the vice presidential oath in March 1901. In September, following the assassination of President McKinley, Roosevelt became the youngest person to assume the U.S. presidency at age 42. His dynamic leadership style left a lasting impact on the nation.

9. Calvin Coolidge (1925)

Harris & Ewing from Wikipedia

Coolidge’s second inauguration as vice president was notable for being the first to be nationally broadcast on radio. Chief Justice William Howard Taft administered the oath, marking the first time a former president swore in a vice president. Coolidge’s understated demeanor contrasted with the growing influence of mass media.

10. Harry S. Truman (1945)

National Archives and Records Administration from Wikipedia

Truman was inaugurated as vice president during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented fourth term. Just months later, Roosevelt’s death propelled Truman into the presidency during the final stages of World War II. His leadership during this critical period was pivotal in shaping post-war America.

11. Lyndon B. Johnson (1961)

Arnold Newman from Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and Museum

Lyndon B. Johnson took the oath of vice presidency on January 20, 1961, with President John F. Kennedy. It was a presidency with great historical significance, including the Cuban Missile Crisis. Johnson’s political acumen helped him survive such challenges.

12. Hubert H. Humphrey (1965)

Library of Congress from Wikipedia

Humphrey was inaugurated as vice president under President Lyndon B. Johnson. His tenure was marked by his advocacy for civil rights and social programs. Humphrey’s influence was instrumental in shaping the Great Society initiatives.

13. Spiro T. Agnew (1969)

Image from Wikipedia

Agnew was inaugurated as vice president under Richard Nixon, and his tenure became controversial. In 1973, he resigned on charges of tax evasion and money laundering, which was a major political scandal at the time.  

14. Gerald R. Ford (1973)

David Hume Kennerly from Wikipedia

Ford was appointed vice president following Agnew’s resignation, becoming the first person to assume the role under the 25th Amendment. His calm demeanor helped restore confidence in the government during a tumultuous time. Ford’s leadership was soon tested further when he assumed the presidency after Nixon’s resignation.

15. Nelson A. Rockefeller (1974)

Image from White House

Rockefeller became vice president under President Gerald Ford. His confirmation was the second time the provisions of the 25th Amendment had been invoked to fill a vice presidency vacancy. His long history of public service enhanced the administration.

16. Walter F. Mondale (1977)

Image from United States Senate Historical Office

Mondale’s vice-presidency under Jimmy Carter was different, as he became a trusted advisor and played an active role in policy deliberations. It redefined what future vice presidents were expected of and what they needed to do. Mondale and Carter’s collaboration established a new standard for the executive branch.   

17. George H.W. Bush (1981)

David Valdez from Wikipedia

George H.W. Bush served as vice president during Ronald Reagan’s tenure. The former CIA Director and U.N. Ambassador contributed valuable foreign policy expertise to the administration. As vice president, George H.W. Bush established himself as the leader for the following presidential period.

18. Al Gore (1993)

Image from Wikipedia

Al Gore was inaugurated as vice president under President Bill Clinton on January 20, 1993. He advocated for initiatives such as the Information Superhighway and shaped the administration’s environmental and technology policies. His active participation in domestic and global issues marked a modern era of vice-presidential influence.

19. Dick Cheney (2001)

Image from from Wikipedia

Cheney’s investiture as vice president with George W. Bush marked the beginning of one of the most prescient vice presidencies in history. He brought decades of experience working in government and played a critical role in shaping policies, particularly after the September 11 attacks. His tenure was marked by a strong hand in defense and foreign policy decision-making.

20. Kamala Harris (2021)

Lawrence Jackson from Wikipedia

Kamala Harris marked the first inauguration of the very first female, Black, and South Asian vice president in United States history. She was inaugurated on 20 January 2021. For that reason, Kamala Harris embodies great importance, as she has become an important element alongside President Joe Biden in addressing today’s challenges.

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