American presidential firsts

President William H. Taft prepares to board a special Illinois Traction System train at Millikin University in Decatur for the trip to Springfield. (Dale Jenkins Collection)

Looking Back – American presidential firsts

Americans always have had a special interest in “firsts,” including firsts related to the president of the United States.Beginning with our first president, George Washington was the first to deliver what is now called the State of the Union address. Also, he was the first to issue a pardon, a veto and an executive order.Who was the first sitting president to ride in an automobile? That would be William McKinley.