The President’s Visit
I’m reading a manuscript which came my way rather mysteriously a few years ago. It’s a fascinating first-person account of events which took place in San Diego in April of 1891. I can’t discuss the details yet but I am in discussion with interested parties about publishing an annotated edition of the story.
There are some historical events mentioned in the book that I can tell you about, such as the first visit to San Diego by a sitting President of the United States, which occurred on April 23, 1891. That president was Benjamin Harrison.
Harrison was not the most notable of presidents, serving only one term from 1899 to 1893. But for San Diegans of the time, it was a memorable visit. As the San Diego Union reported:
Since the news first came that the nation’s chief executive would confer upon this people the unusual honor of a visit, the leading men and women of San Diego have wasted no time in getting ready to receive their expected guest in fitting style. As a result the city today is decked out in a holiday attire of the national colors; the wall of her principal buildings are hidden behind masses of gay-hued bunting, and every flag is flying triumphantly from the very top of its staff.
The president’s visit was part of a cross-country railroad tour sponsored by railroad magnate Leland Stanford.
The Presidential train will arrive at the depot at 6:30 in the morning. President Harrison will not alight from his special train on his arrival in the city this morning but will be carried on through National City, around the peninsula and directly to the Coronado hotel, where he will have breakfast.*
After breakfasting at the Hotel Del Coronado with guests that included California Governor Henry H. Markham and Baja California Governor Luis E. Torres, Harrison returned by boat across the bay and spoke to a large crowd gathered at Horton Plaza. Then it was back on the train to continue his tour.
The president’s short time in San Diego left a lasting impression. He is reported to have told future President William Taft, “One who has ever breathed this atmosphere would want to live here always.” San Diegans today can still relate.
*Irene Phillips, “Diaries of Frank A. Kimball, California Pioneer, Excerpts and Comments.”