Fifth Grade
Worksheets
Inaugural Balls
Who doesn't enjoy a good party? Almost everyone does. Who deserves a good celebration? Certainly a new president does. That's where the inaugural ball comes in.
One week after George Washington's inauguration, a party was held in his honor in May of 1789. However, the first official inaugural ball was in honor of James Madison. He was the fourth president of the United States. It was held on March 4, 1809. His wife was the host of the elegant party in which the U.S. Marine band played. Tickets cost $4 each. Then there were two balls for President Andrew Jackson in 1833, two for Van Buren in 1837, and three for William Henry Harrison in 1841. These galas became highlights of society.
After Franklin Pierce's son was killed in a railroad accident, his ball was cancelled. The sad event in 1853 was followed by a lavish ball for James Buchanan in 1857. Details about some of the food and drink hint at how grand the event was - $3,000 worth of wine, 1,200 quarts of ice cream, and so much more! The walls were red, white, and blue. The ceiling was covered with stars.
