On April 30, 1789, in a deep, low voice, George Washington gave his first speech as president of the United States. This speech is now known as the first presidential inaugural address. He spoke to a joint session of Congress (the Senate and the House of Representatives together) that had gathered in Federal Hall. Federal Hall is in New York City, which at the time was the new nation’s capital. When you think of a presidential speech, what do you think presidents talk about?

page 1 of 3