ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Historical Research Uncovers Early Source of William Howard Taft Bathtub Legend

publication · 2026-03-23

A recently examined 1929 document provides the first recorded mention of the story that William Howard Taft, the 27th U.S. president, became trapped in a bathtub. This account indicates the incident allegedly took place on a Mississippi River trip. The discovery offers new insights into the origins of this long-standing anecdote, challenging previous assumptions about its history.

Key facts

  • The earliest known reference to William Howard Taft's bathtub story dates to 1929
  • The account suggests the event occurred during a Mississippi River voyage
  • William Howard Taft served as the 27th president of the United States
  • The research sheds light on the forgotten beginnings of a popular legend
  • The findings come from a long-overlooked historical source

Entities

Locations

  • Mississippi River

Sources