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Remarkably, the nation already had a Vice-president, but not a President. John Adams had already taken office as Vice President when he was sworn in nine days earlier on April 21. Washington was sworn in by Chancellor of New York Robert Livingston, making him the first President of the United States to be sworn in following the ratification of the Constitution.
The ceremony took place on April 30, 1789, on the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City, which at the time was the first U.S. Capitol and the site where the 1st United States Congress met. A crowd of people had begun to gather around Washington's home very early in the morning, and at noon they made their way to Federal Hall by way of Queen Street and Great Dock (both now Pearl Street) and Broad Street. Washington was dressed in an American-made dark brown suit with white silk stockings and silver shoe buckles. He also wore a steel-hilted sword and dark red overcoat.
When Washington arrived at Federal Hall, he was formally introduced to the House and Senate in the then-Senate chamber, after which already sworn-in Vice President John Adams announced it was time for the inauguration. Washington moved to the second-floor balcony where he took the presidential oath of office, administered by Chancellor of New York Robert Livingston. A huge crowd gathered on the streets to witness the event. The Bible used in the ceremony was from St. John's Masonic Lodge No.1. It was opened at random to Genesis 49:13, which reads: "Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon". After the oath of office was administered, Livingston shouted "Long live George Washington, President of the United States!" The crowd responded with cheers and a 13-gun salute. Washington then retired to the Senate Chamber, where he delivered the first inaugural address. It was 1419 words in length. In 1776 Washington and his army had been evicted from the city by the British. Now he returned with full honors.
At the time there were no inaugural balls on the day of the ceremony, but a week later, on May 7, a ball was held in Washington's honor in New York City.