Who was the first U.S. President to make a public appearance in a car?

Theodore Roosevelt became the first American president to make a public appearance in a car on the 22nd of August, 1902. On that date, the president started a tour of New England with a car ride through Connecticut. During the tour, Roosevelt made several stops, and cheering supporters greeted him at all points along his parade route, which he traversed in “a handsome Victoria automobile".

Such a mode of transportation as an automobile became an ideal choice for the tour, as the president wanted to find out more about his country's people and get closer with them. He was able to see more of each city and do it in less time. The people were always happy to see their president this close.

More Info: learning.blogs.nytimes.com

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37 Comments

Peter Evan Smith

I figured Taft since an auto meant he wouldnt have to walk.

Dave Bowman

I thought it was McKinley. Perhaps "public appearance" is the vital distinction here.

whitewaterrapids

Actually it was William McKinley

Jan Mccullough

Teddy was the best good President loved his family and a good military man

Marie Mastrain Suppa

Right on

longsylvia

Got it

Maurice O'Neill

AB, for every “ugly American” who does as you describe, there’s at least one person from another country or culture who complains that all the questions are about the USA!

patrickdocmcwilliams

William McKinley was the first president to ride in a car. After he was shot, he was placed in an electric ambulance and driven to the operating room on the fairgrounds.