On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama was inaugurated as president of the United States, becoming the first African American to hold office. More than one million people are estimated to have filled the National Mall in Washington, D.C., United States, to witness the inauguration.  

In a ceremony on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, Obama took the oath of office on the Bible used by President Abraham Lincoln at his first inauguration in 1861. The former Illinois senator became the 44th U.S. president, completing a peaceful transfer of power from his predecessor, George W. Bush.
Abraham Lincoln
Noun

(1809-1865) 16th American president.
Capitol
Noun

official building used by the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C.
ceremony
Noun

activities to celebrate or commemorate an event.
inaugurate
Verb

to make a formal beginning or start.
National Mall
Noun

national park composed largely of grassy lawns, stretching roughly between the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
oath of office
Noun

public promise a person makes before taking a job or responsibility.

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    Editor

    Caryl-Sue, National Geographic Society

    Producer

    Mary Crooks, National Geographic Society

    Last Updated

    Feb. 12, 2021

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