Presidential Inauguration of Ronald Reagan On January 20, 1981 Ronald Reagan became the first President to be inaugurated facing the National Mall. Before this time Inaugurations were held on the East Portico of the US Capitol, facing the Supreme Court. When the inauguration ceremony moved to the terrace on the West Front of the Capitol facing the Mall, it meant that more citizens could easily attend and view the event. Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. <a href="http://www.inaugural.senate.gov/media/video/video-01201981-reagan">View original</a>. 1/20/1981 <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=38&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1980-1999">1980-1999</a>