John Adams and The Validation of America

Originally posted on Presidential History Blog:

John Adams. First Vice President. Second President. One of the giants of American history.

March 4, 1797 is one of those barely recognized dates – but it is a pivotal one.

The Lonely Inaugural of John Adams

Inaugurals today are times of celebration: parades, parties, balls. People come from all over the globe to attend. It is hard to believe that poor John Adams had very little personal support to celebrate with him on the day he rose to the highe...