Politics

These Photos Show Lincoln's Inauguration Was Pretty Quaint Compared To Obama's

Abraham Lincoln was sworn in as president 155 years ago today.
Chris McGonigal

Senior Photo Editor, HuffPost

On March 4, 1861, Abraham Lincoln was sworn in on the steps of an unfinished U.S. Capitol building, making him the 16th president of the United States.

Photos from that day show around 25,000 people crowding the Capitol steps -- a far cry from the first inauguration of President Barack Obama in 2009, where crowds were estimated at upwards of 1.8 million people.

Below is a photo from the March 4, 1861, inauguration of Abraham Lincoln:

The inauguration of President Abraham Lincoln took place under the unfinished dome of the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on March 4, 1861.
The inauguration of President Abraham Lincoln took place under the unfinished dome of the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on March 4, 1861.
Matthew Brady/Getty Images

Compare that with the Jan. 20, 2009, inauguration of Barack Obama:

Crowds look towards the Capitol during the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States on the National Mall on Jan. 20, 2009, in Washington, D.C.
Crowds look towards the Capitol during the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States on the National Mall on Jan. 20, 2009, in Washington, D.C.
Emily Barnes/Getty Images

Although there are not many photos of Lincoln's first inauguration, his second inauguration on March 4, 1865, was better documented, including some images uncovered in 2008.

See more photos and drawings from Lincoln's inaugurations below:

President Abraham Lincoln stands under cover at the center of the Capitol steps during his inauguration in Washington, D.C., on March 4, 1861.
President Abraham Lincoln stands under cover at the center of the Capitol steps during his inauguration in Washington, D.C., on March 4, 1861.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
A view of the United States Capitol Building, showing the dome under construction, on the day of the first inauguration of President Abraham Lincoln.
A view of the United States Capitol Building, showing the dome under construction, on the day of the first inauguration of President Abraham Lincoln.
Fotosearch via Getty Images
An engraving depicts Chief Justice Taney administering the oath to President Abraham Lincoln at his inauguration on March 4, 1861.
An engraving depicts Chief Justice Taney administering the oath to President Abraham Lincoln at his inauguration on March 4, 1861.
Hirz via Getty Images
A stereograph view of the crowd at Lincoln's second inauguration on March 4, 1865.
A stereograph view of the crowd at Lincoln's second inauguration on March 4, 1865.
Library of Congress
A crowd of people waiting during President Abraham Lincoln's second inauguration, which was held on a rainy day at the U.S. Capitol grounds.
A crowd of people waiting during President Abraham Lincoln's second inauguration, which was held on a rainy day at the U.S. Capitol grounds.
Buyenlarge via Getty Images
President Abraham Lincoln makes his inaugural speech during his second inauguration.
President Abraham Lincoln makes his inaugural speech during his second inauguration.
General Photographic Agency via Getty Images
Onlookers watch during President Abraham Lincoln's second inauguration.
Onlookers watch during President Abraham Lincoln's second inauguration.
Library of congress
Chris McGonigal - Senior Photo Editor, HuffPost

Senior Photo Editor, HuffPost

abraham lincoln photosinauguration photosus capitolabraham LincolnU.S. presidents

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