From 1791 when George Washington toured the Southern states by coach, travel has been essential for the American presidency. For the early presidents the horse was fine, but their successors in turn embraced the emergence of steamboats, railroads, automobiles, airplanes, and helicopters for faster travel over greater distances. Today the president’s armored limousine—known as “the Beast”; Air Force One—the flying White House; and Marine One—the helicopter always ready for quick trips—are powerful symbols of the American presidency itself.

Dry clean only.