On this date in 1909, President William Howard Taft was inaugurated in the waning moments of a howling snow storm. The U.S. Weather Bureau had predicted fair weather for the day and drew the ire of many Washington officials when close to 10 inches of wet snow blanketed the city. The ceremonies had to be moved into the Senate Chamber in the Capitol building. The weather caused additional problems. About 7,000 members of the 7th New York Regiment were late in arriving for the parade festivities because of heavy snow in New York City. Despite their tardiness, the unit refused to return home until it marched for its new president. Taft obliged and stepped out to watch them from the presidential reviewing stand the next day.