Inaugural Addresses of the U.S. Presidents: 1789-1857

George Washington delivered the first inaugural address, invoking God's guidance, demurring about his qualifications for presidential tasks, and declaring his intention to accept no salary save expenses while serving. It was Washington who in 1793 gave the shortest inaugural address of 135 words, while 's 1841 speech, lasting almost two hours, was the longest at 8,455 words.