On August 22, 1902, American history was made when President Theodore Roosevelt became the first sitting president to ride in an automobile publicly. This historic event took place as he drove through the streets of Hartford, Connecticut, as part of his official duties.

The Historic Ride:

President Roosevelt began his journey in a brand new electric automobile as part of a campaign in New England to support Republican congressional candidates. He aimed to help his party retain control of the House and the Senate during this tour. Colonel J.L. Green accompanied Roosevelt in the car, while an entourage on horseback followed behind them.

The President and Colonel Green traveled in a Columbia Electric Victoria Phaeton, accompanied by two additional chauffeurs. This luxurious vehicle featured purple velvet lining and could operate at four different speeds, with a maximum speed of 13 miles per hour. Thousands of people crowded the streets to watch the President drive by in this historic first Presidential Motorcade. He cheerfully waved and greeted the onlookers, and the event received an overwhelmingly positive reception.

After the motorcade, President Roosevelt praised the electric vehicle technology and endorsed the Colombia Victoria Phaeton model. However, he privately mentioned that he did not find the transportation comfortable and still preferred riding on horseback.

Fun Fact: President Theodore Roosevelt was actually not the very first president to ride in a car; that title belongs to President McKinley, who rode in a Stanley Motor steam car in 1901. However, Roosevelt was the first president to ride in a vehicle publicly as part of his official duties as the President of the United States.