---
title: "Inauguration of Thomas Jefferson"
year: 1801
country: "United States"
canonical: "https://recap.at/1801/jefferson-inauguration"
slug: "jefferson-inauguration"
recapType: "global_event"
startDate: "1801-01-01"
---

# Inauguration of Thomas Jefferson

> The first peaceful transfer of power between opposing parties demonstrated that American democracy could survive ideological contest.

Thomas Jefferson took the oath of office on March 4, 1801, becoming the third president of the United States and the first to be inaugurated in Washington, D.C. His election marked a significant political shift—a Republican victory over the Federalist party that had dominated since George Washington's presidency. Jefferson's vision of a smaller federal government and agrarian republic shaped the young nation's trajectory for decades.

## Summary

Inauguration of Thomas Jefferson may refer to:First inauguration of Thomas Jefferson, 1801
Second inauguration of Thomas Jefferson, 1805
Inauguration of John Adams, in which he inaugurated as vice president in 1797

## Key facts

- **Date**: March 4, 1801
- **Location**: Washington, D.C.
- **Oath Administrator**: Chief Justice John Marshall
- **Presidential Number**: 3rd president of the United States
- **Electoral College Margin**: 73 electoral votes to John Adams's 65
- **Prior Position**: Secretary of State under George Washington
- **Party**: Democratic-Republican
- **Electoral College Tie Resolution**: Resolved by the House of Representatives after 36 ballots in February 1801

## Timeline

- **1800-11-01** - Election Day
  Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr each receive 73 electoral votes, creating a tie that throws the election to the House of Representatives.
- **1801-02-11** - House Breaks Tie
  After 36 ballots over six days, the House of Representatives elects Jefferson president with Alexander Hamilton's support, while Burr becomes vice president.
- **1801-03-04** - Inauguration
  Jefferson takes the oath of office administered by Chief Justice John Marshall in Washington, D.C. He delivers his inaugural address emphasizing unity and limited federal government.
- **1801-03-04** - Inaugural Address Delivered
  Jefferson states 'we are all republicans—we are all federalists,' attempting to bridge partisan divisions while outlining his vision for Republican governance.
- **1801-06-01** - Barbary War Begins
  Jefferson authorizes military action against Tripoli, marking his first significant foreign policy decision as president.

## Impact

Jefferson's inauguration represented the first peaceful transfer of power between opposing political parties in American history. His presidency redirected federal policy away from Hamiltonian finance and Federalist centralization, establishing Republican dominance in American politics through the mid-19th century. The event validated the constitutional system's ability to absorb partisan conflict without collapse.

## Sources

- [Inauguration of Thomas Jefferson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inauguration_of_Thomas_Jefferson) - Wikipedia

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Canonical: https://recap.at/1801/jefferson-inauguration