1.8 Million at Obama Inauguration

Just one year ago, a momentous turning point in American history was witnessed, as 1.8 million people came to Washington Dc and gathered to see the Obama inauguration that ushered in the era of the first Black president.

It was not only the largest crowd in American history for a Presidential inauguration, but according to newspaper reports the single largest crowd for any event in Washington DC ever. 38 million Americans also watched it on television, more than double what Bush got in the TV ratings, but not quite as high as Ronald Reagan who got over 40 million. But it was much easier to get high ratings in those days, to be fair.

Will those crowds be gathering again 3 years from now, to see him sworn in again? Time will tell.

$1.8 Million at Obama Inauguration
boston.com

The National Park Service says it will rely on a media report that says 1.8 million people attended President Obama's inauguration. David Barna, a Park Service spokesman, said the agency did not conduct its own count. Instead, it will use a Washington Post account that said 1.8 million people gathered on the US Capitol grounds, National Mall, and parade route. "It is a record," Barna said. "We believe it is the largest event held in Washington, D.C., ever..."

$1.8 Million at Obama Inauguration