Barack Obama is all set to create history today by being sworn in as America’s first black President to bring hopes of change to a nation battered by recession and weary of wars.

Preparations are on in full swing to mark the momentous occasion in American history. Security has been stepped up all along Pensylvania avenue – the route to be taken by Obama from the White House to Capitol Hill where he will take the oath as America’s first African-American Commander-in-chief. The 47-year-old is the first African-American to enter the White House as the 44th President, Obama would be sworn in by the US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts at 22.30 IST at the Capitol Hill.

Tens of thousands of people, braving severe cold, have started flocking to Washington from all over the country to be a witness to the historic occasion, when an African-American would become the US President. Estimates say that by the time Obama takes his oath the figure would swell to well over 2 million people. His inauguration would take place outside US Capitol which slaves helped build. US Secret service and thousands of police personnel have thrown unprecedented security ring in a three square kilometre area where the event would take place. Sharp shooters in plain clothes have been deployed in the area.

All about the D-day:

• To take oath at noon (1700 GMT) in accordance to the US constitution. The term of the current President ends at noon.
• Obama’s inauguration will cost an estimated USD 170 million.
• 8,000 and FBI security officials deployed across country.
• 32,000 military personnel will be on standby.
• Obama will arrive in a state-of-the-art armored presidential limousine. It is said to be resistant to bomb and chemical attacks.
• Over 2 million people attending the swearing-in ceremony.
• Bicycles, animals, backpacks, coolers, umbrellas not allowed at the venue.
• Why January 20? Originally it was March, to allow time for the winner to travel to Washington. Four months is a long time for a lame duck president to keep the seat warm – and so the date was brought forward.

Some more trivia:

• George Washington’s speech was the shortest – it was only 135 words
• William Harrison’s speech in 1841 was the longest – it was 8445 words, took nearly two hours and was delivered in a snowstorm. A month later he was dead.
• Thomas Jefferson walked to the inauguration – He was living just down the road at the time.
• Warren Harding was first to use a car in 1921.