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

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

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. — The inauguration of President Abraham Lincoln took place under the unfinished dome of the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on March 4, 1861.

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.

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 — President Abraham Lincoln stands under cover at the center of the Capitol steps during his inauguration in Washington, D.C., on March 4, 1861.

A view of the United States Capitol Building, showing the dome under construction, on the day of the first inauguration — A view of the United States Capitol Building, showing the dome under construction, on the day of the first inauguration of President Abraham Lincoln.

An engraving depicts Chief Justice Taney administering the oath to President Abraham Lincoln at his inauguration on — An engraving depicts Chief Justice Taney administering the oath to President Abraham Lincoln at his inauguration on March 4, 1861.

A stereograph view of the crowd at Lincoln's second inauguration on March 4, 1865.

A crowd of people waiting during President Abraham Lincoln's second inauguration, which was held on a rainy day at the U — 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.

President Abraham Lincoln makes his inaugural speech during his second inauguration. — President Abraham Lincoln makes his inaugural speech during his second inauguration.

Onlookers watch during President Abraham Lincoln's second inauguration.

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