The first inauguration of William McKinley as the 25th president of the United States happened on March 4, 1897. The inauguration was the beginning of the first four-year term of William McKinley's as president and the only term of Garret Hobart as vice president. Vice president Hobart did not finish his term because he died on November 21, 1899. As there was no system in place to put a replacement for him to serve the rest of his term, his position remained unfilled until the end of McKinley's term.