Art & History

Splendid Hall

Notable Ceremonies

Inaugurations

In addition to the business of lawmaking, the old Hall of the House was used for joint meetings with the Senate, ceremonies, funerals and public lectures. Today, the room is still used for ceremonies honoring foreign dignitaries and events traditionally held in Statuary Hall, such as the presidential inaugural luncheon. Six presidential inaugurations, those of James Madison, James Monroe, Andrew Jackson, John Quincy Adams and Millard Fillmore, were held in Statuary Hall.

James Monroe (1758-1831)

James Monroe James Monroe’s second inauguration in 1821 was forced indoors by heavy snow and rain. Over two thousand people crowded into the Hall of the House, where, for the first time, a band played during the entrance and departure of the President.

James Madison (1751-1836)

James Madison A Member of the House in the first four Congresses, Madison was inaugurated as President here in 1809 and 1813. Ten thousand people gathered outside the Capitol for his first inauguration.

Bradley Stevens (after Charles Willson Peale), oil on canvas, 2002, Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives

John Quincy Adams (1767-1848)

John Quincy Adams John Quincy Adams was inaugurated here in 1825. Outgoing President James Monroe established the tradition of escorting the successor to the Capitol for their inauguration. After his time as President, Adams returned to the Hall of the House to serve as a Member in the 22nd–30th Congresses.

Ed Alstrom (after Jean-Baptiste-Adolphe Gibert), oil on canvas, 2002, Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives

Andrew Jackson (1767-1845)

Andrew Jackson Snow, freezing temperatures and high winds drove Andrew Jackson’s 1833 inauguration indoors to the Hall of the House. This inauguration marked the first time the President was received at the Capitol by the mayor of Washington and members of the city council.

Millard Fillmore (1800-1874)

Millard Fillmore Millard Fillmore’s inauguration in 1850 was the last in a House Chamber, taking place 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 – 1825. Everywhere he went, he was greeted with parades and ceremonies, in recognition for his important contributions to the Revolution, which included work with George Washington as a strategist in the battle of Yorktown, and his successful diplomatic efforts in gaining the support of the French government.

The portrait of the Marquis de Lafayette was painted by French artist Ary Sheffer, and was presented to the House as a gift commemorating Lafayette’s 1824 visit. A pendant portrait of George Washington, painted by American artist George Vanderlyn, was acquired soon thereafter. Both paintings hung in the old Hall of the House and were moved with the Congress to the new Chamber in 1858, where they remain today.

Lafayette's Address

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:

"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 when Lafayette died in 1834.

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Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette

Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, (1759–1834) Ary Sheffer, oil on canvas, 1823 Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives

Oration on the Life an Character of Gilbert du Motier de Lafayette

Oration on the Life an Character of Gilbert du Motier de Lafayette, Gales and Seaton, 1835

Notecard, Lafayette’s address to Congress, 1824

Notecard, Lafayette’s address to Congress, 1824. Courtesy of Lafayette College, Marquis de Lafayette Collection, David Bishop Skillman Library.


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