Friday, December 26, 2008

WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT, 27TH PRESIDENT - Sworn in as President on March 4, 1904, William Howard Taft was the first President to ride to his inauguration parade with his wife. His was the first inauguration parade to also include an automobile, and that evening the U.S. Capitol dome was lighted for the first time (with a searchlight). Taft was the heaviest of all U.S. Presidents, requiring a special bathtub to be installed in the White House to accommodate him. After serving as President, Taft became the only U.S. President to later go on and serve as Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.