Until the 1940's, the newly elected prez took office on March 4.Either after or during FDR's administration, it was changed to Jan.20. I do not know the reasoning behind this. I had heard that it was changed because 3-4 falls on a Sunday more often than 1-20. Perhaps, however, it sounded silly to me.

On March 4, 1849, Prez-elect Taylor failed to appear for his inauguration. By law, the presiding prez' term ended at noon on that day. Since Taylor was not sworn in at the proper time, the Speaker of the House became prez in his stead. David Rice Atchinson was President of the US for one day, until Taylor took over March 5.

I have heard two reasons as to why Taylor was late. Howbeit, neither may be correct. One was that 3-4-1849 was on a Sunday and Taylor refused for religious reasons. The other reason given was that Taylor was notified by snail-mail to late that he had been elected, and arrived a day late.

Also, as a side note, I have heard that Atchison was in bed with the flu during his whole "administration"!

So this is a thread creep, but I thought you may find it amusing. :)

khandu