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This 1849 engraving, titled Washington Delivering His Inaugural Address. April 1789, In The Old Hall, New York, is an evocative depiction of George Washington's first inaugural address, a pivotal moment in American history. Engraved by Sadd after a painting by Tompkins Harrison Matteson, the artwork captures Washington in a commanding yet solemn posture, surrounded by notable figures of the time, including members of Congress and key political and military leaders, gathered in the Old City Hall in New York, then the nation's capital.
The scene commemorates the first inauguration of George Washington as President of the United States on April 30, 1789, a moment that marked the formal establishment of the American government under the new Constitution. The event took place in the Old City Hall, renamed Federal Hall, located in New York City. Washington's inaugural address emphasized the principles of unity, liberty, and the need for a government grounded in the public good.
This print was created during a time of growing national pride and a romanticized view of the Founding Fathers. The deliberate arrangement of figures underscores the unity and collaboration required to build the fledgling nation.
![(Native American Photograph) [CDV Photograph of Prairie Indian man, possibly a Kansa or Kickapoo]](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/93108.jpg)
