Federal Hall, the site of George Washington’s Inauguration, April 30, 1789 New York’s old City Hall, built in 1700, got a classical makeover in 1788 when it became the seat of the new federal government. Notice the triangular center gable with its giant-sized seal of the United States. Washington took the oath of office on this balcony before a crowd of 10,000. Following a 21-gun salute, the president delivered a near-inaudible ten-minute inaugural address in the senate chamber. Library of Congress.