Washington’s New Governor Takes the Oath in Olympia
A military parade and a grand inaugural ball marked the start of John H. McGraw’s term as governor of the Evergreen State.
Olympia, Jan. 11—The inaugural proceedings began at 10 o'clock this morning. It was essentially a military parade, headed by Adjutant General O'Brien and Brigadier General Curry. The marching bodies drew up at Thirteenth Street near the Capitol, where Gov. Ferry and Gov.-elect McGraw reviewed the troops. After the inauguration ceremonies, ex-Gov. Ferry and Gov. McGraw inspected the troops on dress parade on the city square. The second state inaugural ball tonight was a success. It may truthfully be stated that it will be a long time before an assemblage of greater beauty, grace, refinement, wit and intellectual superiority will again shine in the saloons of the Hotel Olympia. Adjt. Gen. O'Brien and Miss Katie McGraw began the grand march, followed by Gov. and Mrs. McGraw and other dignitaries.
“The history of Washington as a commonwealth is in its career but begun and the work yet to be performed.”
While inaugural balls remain a staple of political ritual, the 1893 celebration highlights a time when the Governor’s transition was a spectacle of military precision and social stratification. Today, the focus has shifted, but the site of these ceremonies remains the political heart of Washington State.
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