Roosevelt's Inauguration,
March 4, 1905

[Roosevelt in carriage on
Pennsylvania Avenue
going to the Capitol],
March 4, 1905
Copyprint
Prints & Photographs Division (92A.4)

Theodore Roosevelt's inaugural procession was notably festive. The president-elect waved to the thousands of well wishers lining the route, and a contingent of Rough Riders, who had charged San Juan with Roosevelt eight years earlier, escorted him. In contrast to the jubilant festivities, Roosevelt delivered a short, dignified inaugural speech for which the Library has his random notes. Roosevelt stepped aside after serving one term. Four years later, Roosevelt made an unsuccessful bid for the presidency -- losing to Woodrow Wilson in 1912.