Mar

Today in Smithsonian History: March 4, 1881

The West Hall looking towards the Rotunda of the new United States National Museum, now the Arts and Industries Building, decorated for President James A. Garfield and Vice President Chester A. Arthur’s Inaugural Ball, March 4, 1881. This was the first event held in the new building, before the exhibits were installed. A temporary wooden floor was laid for the event, two electric lights were placed in the Rotunda, 10,000 bins for hats and coats were erected, 3,000 gas lights were installed, and festive buntings, state flags and seals decorated the halls. A colossal “Statue of America” stood in the Rotunda, illustrative of peace, justice and liberty, grasping in her uplifted hand an electric light “indicative of the skill, genius, progress, and civilization” of America in the 19th century. The stencil work in the Rotunda can be seen. The building opened to the public in October 1881.

March 4, 1881 The reception and ball to celebrate the inauguration of President James Abram Garfield is held in the as yet unfinished National Museum building (now the Arts and Industries Building). The Board of Regents authorized use of the building with the stipulation that no precedent is to be given for the use of the building for other purposes. Under the direction of a citizens’ committee, a temporary wooden floor is laid in each of the ground-level rooms, 10,000 bins for hats, coats and wraps are erected, and some 3,000 gas burners are installed. For the occasion, two electric lights are suspended in the rotunda and several are erected outside, along with calcium lights in different parts of the grounds. About 7,000 people attend the celebration.

An engraving by A. Berghaus and C. Upham, of James A. Garfield’s assassination, published in Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper. The caption reads “Washington, D.C.—The attack on the President’s life—Scene in the ladies’ room of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad depot—The arrest of the assassin / from sketches by our special artist’s [sic] A. Berghaus and C. Upham.” President Garfield is at center right, leaning after being shot. He is supported by Secretary of State James G. Blaine who wears a light colored top hat. To left, assassin Charles Guiteau is restrained by members of the crowd, one of whom is about to strike him with a cane. (Via Wikimedia Commons/PD)

Courtesy Smithsonian Institution Archives