Chief Justice Fred M. Vinson administered the presidential oath of office to Eisenhower.

The vice presidential oath was administered to Nixon by Senator William Knowland.

Afterward, he recited his own prayer at the start of his inaugural address, rather than kissing the Bible.

After the oath, rodeo trick rider Montie Montana, lassoed Eisenhower, in a display attributed to America's peak fascination with Western films.

[2][3] Weather conditions for 12 noon at Washington National Airport, located 3.1 miles from the ceremony, were: 49 °F (9 °C), wind 5 mph, and no precipitation.