The first inauguration of Ronald Reagan as the 40th president of the United States was held on Tuesday, January 20, 1981, at the West Front of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. This was the first inauguration to be held on the building's west side. This was the 49th inauguration and marked the commencement of Ronald Reagan's and George H. W. Bush's first term as president and vice president, respectively. Chief Justice Warren E. Burger administered the presidential oath of office to Reagan, who placed his hand upon a family Bible given to him by his mother, open to 2 Chronicles 7:14. Associate Justice Potter Stewart administered the vice presidential oath to Bush.
Ronald Reagan takes the oath of office to be sworn in as the 40th president of the United States.
The Reagans in the inaugural parade
Image: President Ronald Reagan making his inaugural address from the United States Capitol
The presidential transition of Ronald Reagan began when he won the 1980 United States presidential election, becoming the president-elect, and ended when Reagan was inaugurated at noon EST on January 20, 1981.
President-elect Reagan and his wife Nancy meet with outgoing President Jimmy Carter in the Oval Office as part of the transition