By: HISTORY.com Editors
On March 4, 1829, Andrew Jackson upholds an inaugural tradition begun by Thomas Jefferson and hosts an open house at the White House.
After Jackson’s swearing-in ceremony and address to Congress, the new president returned to the White House to meet and greet a flock of politicians, celebrities and citizens. Very shortly, the crowd swelled to more than 20,000, turning the usually dignified White House into a boisterous mob scene.
Andrew Jackson called himself a Jeffersonian Democrat, while Thomas Jefferson called Jackson a dangerous man.
Some guests stood on furniture in muddy shoes while others rummaged through rooms looking for the president–breaking dishes, crystal and grinding food into the carpet along the way. (White House staff reported the carpets smelled of cheese for months after the party.) In an attempt to draw partygoers out of the building, servants set up washtubs full of juice and whiskey on the White House lawn.
The White House open-house tradition continued until several assassination attempts heightened security concerns. The trend ended in 1885 when Grover Cleveland opted instead to host a parade, which he viewed in safety from a grandstand set up in front of the White House.
In the 1820s, no one had heard about an anti-establishment candidate—until Andrew Jackson's campaign invented it.
In the 1820s, no one had heard about an anti-establishment candidate—until Andrew Jackson's campaign invented it.
Also on This Day in History
Discover more of the major events, famous births, notable deaths and everything else history-making that happened on March 4th
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Despite the important role of the Electoral College, the Constitution doesn’t say much about the electors themselves.
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