George Washington Presidential Inauguration Button, "Long Live the President," 1789-1793

01

Artifact Overview

George Washington became the first president of the United States on April 30, 1789. At Federal Hall in New York City (then the nation's capital), Washington took the presidential oath of office in view of cheering crowds. Some spectators had sewn commemorative buttons onto their coats. This brass example includes the initials of the new president and the thirteen original states.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Button (Information artifact)

Date Made

1789-1793

Place of Creation

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in With Liberty & Justice for All

Object ID

2002.0.25.193

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Brass (Alloy)

Dimensions

Diameter: 1.375 in

Inscriptions

on front: LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT / GW / V / NC / SC / G / NH / M / R I / C / NY / NJ / P / D / M
02

Related Content

  • McKinley-Hobart Campaign Pin, 1896
    Set

    Political Jewelry: Beyond the Campaign Button

    • 20 Artifacts
    Political jewelry goes beyond ordinary campaign buttons to express a fashion sensibility and make a statement. During an election, what voters pin to their lapels or place on their bodies tells people what they believe and whose side they are on. Every four years, supporters donning political jewelry make their presidential preferences known.