On April 30, 1789, George Washington took the oath of office as the first president of the United States. He delivered his
first inaugural address to a joint session of Congress, assembled in Federal Hall in the nation's new capital, New York City. With one exception, his first inaugural address did not contain specific policy recommendations.
Washington urged Congress to add a bill of rights to the Constitution that would express “a reverence for the characteristic rights of freemen and a regard for the public harmony…” Although not required by the Constitution, every president since Washington has followed his example and delivered an inaugural address.
