Presidential Inauguration Fun Facts

On Monday, Jan. 21, Barack Obama will be sworn in as the nation's 45th president (*OK, technically he'll be sworn in Sunday, Jan. 20—see note below). Although there is much protocol and tradition that goes along with presidential inaugurations, history shows there's a bit of wiggle room when it comes to things such as fashion and parade behavior.

For instance, did you know ...

•  John F. Kennedy, our 35th president, was the last president to attend his inauguration ceremony in a stovepipe hat.

• More on hats: As a U.S. Representative, Abraham Lincoln attended the inauguration of President Zachary Taylor, our 12th president—where Lincoln lost his hat in the crowd and never recovered it.

• John Quincy Adams, our sixth president, was the first president to wear long trousers to his inauguration ceremony (breaking a tradition of colonial breeches).

• President Adams also famously refused to attend the swearing-in of his successor and seventh president—Andrew Jackson—after an epically brutal campaign.

• During his inaugural parade, President Eisenhower, our 34th president, was lassoed by a cowboy.

Trivia courtesy of the Presidential Inaugural Committee 2013

What twists to the 57th Presidential Inauguration might we see Monday? A Gangnam Style flash mob on the steps of the Capitol? FLOTUS (First Lady of the United States) sporting a Presidential seal tattoo on those legendary arms?

*A note about the actual swearing in date: Historically, Inaugural Ceremonies are not held on a Sunday because Courts and other public institutions are not open. This year, in accordance with the requirements of the United States Constitution, President Obama and Vice President Biden will officially be sworn in on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013.

Tell us about your Inaurguration Day plans in the comment section below.