Today, the Franklin Pierce Presidential Dollar Coin remembers the president’s activities 162 years ago on a rainy day in New York.
In the History of the Seventh Regiment of New York, published in 1890, Emmons Clark included a small description of the opening of the Crystal Palace:
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The Seventh Regiment paraded on July 14th with the First Division for the reception of Franklin Pierce, President of the United States, and the inauguration of the Crystal Palace.
The Crystal Palace, though built by a stock company, was designed for the ” exhibition of the industry of all nations,” and possessed a national character and reputation.
President Pierce was received at Castle Garden by Mayor Westervelt and the Common Council, and, after reviewing the troops at the Battery, in company with Jefferson Davis, his Secretary of War, proceeded up Broadway at the head of the military procession.
Thousands of strangers from the West and South and from foreign lands, who had waited impatiently the opening of the Crystal Palace, and the crowds of people from the city and neighboring towns, gave Broadway a remarkably gay and animated appearance.
The President was received at all points with the respect due his rank.
During his progress up Broadway he was overtaken by a thunder-storm, which compelled him to protect the presidential head with an umbrella.
Upon his arrival at the Crystal Palace, the ceremonies commenced.
After prayer, an address was delivered by Hon. Theodore Sedgwick, which was followed by a speech from President Pierce, officially announcing the opening of the exhibition to the public.
The Crystal Palace was the most elegant and extensive edifice which had ever been erected in America, and was inaugurated under the most favorable auspices…
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In July 1853, the American and Commercial Daily Advertiser, of Baltimore, printed an article about the opening of the Crystal Palace:
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New York, July 14, 1853.
At 10 o’clock this morning the committee of the City Council, together with the Committee of Reception, arrived at Castle Garden, having the President of the United States and suite in charge, accompanied by Governor Fort, of New Jersey, whilst salutes were being fired from Governor’s and Bedlow’s Island, and from the Battery, under the direction of Brigadier General Morris.
After entering Castle Garden, which was thronged with people, the President was formally welcomed to the city by the Mayor, to which he responded in a neat and appropriate speech, which was received with great enthusiasm. The first division of military were stationed on the battery, with an immense throng of spectators, and was reviewed by the President, on horseback, amid the shouts and the hurrahs of the multitude. The procession was then formed, and was full one hour in passing out of the Battery. The parade was very splendid, but a severe storm of rain for a time interrupted the evolutions of the troops. After the storm had ceased, the procession took up its line of march for the Crystal Palace. Throughout the entire route the streets were literally jammed with the masses of people, and the President was greeted with cheers, waving of handkerchiefs, etc.
At two o’clock the cortege reached the Crystal Palace, and the President and Cabinet were conducted to a platform on the north nave, where were also assembled Generals Scott and Wool, Governor Hunt and other distinguished personages from home and abroad. On the platform on the east nave were the officers of the army and navy, British officers, Mayor of different cities, Foreign Consuls, Mayor and Councils of New York, and various public functionaries.
The opening prayer was delivered by the Right Reverend Bishop Wainwright, followed by an anthem sung by the New York Harmonic, and accompanied by the national Guard’s Band.
The President was then welcomed by Theodore Sedgwick, in a neat address, to which he replied in a very short address, pleading his inability to speak at length. He seemed very much fatigued. The ceremonies were then closed with Handel’s celebrated Hallelujah Chorus, from the “Messiah,” which, sung by and immense chorus, produced a magnificent musical effect.
While the guests were occupied with viewing the Exhibition, a grand Concert was given by Dodsworth’s, and the National Guard’s Bands.
The Palace was not even crowded, as none but invited guests, and those holding season tickets were admitted.
The City Banquet in honor of the President will take place tomorrow night, and will prove a magnificent affair.
It is the President’s intention to return to Washington on Saturday next.
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The Franklin Pierce Presidential Dollar Coin shows against a background image of the Crystal Palace, circa early 1850s.
