President Harding’s Voyage of Understanding
Gallery
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The videos in this gallery were derived from stereographic photography cards. The cards contain two versions of the same scene from slightly different angles. When the images are viewed through a stereoscope, it creates the illusion of depth. To view over 100 original digitized stereograph cards from President Harding’s journey, please explore the collection in our Digital Library.
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President Warren G. Harding and First Lady Florence Harding departed from the White House for the “Voyage of Understanding” on June 20, 1923. Their traveling party totaled over sixty people, including staff, members of the press, and important guests.
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One of the early stops of President Harding’s “Voyage of Understanding” was in Hutchinson, Kansas. There, the president greeted locals, played a round of golf, and took a turn driving a tractor. In this animated stereograph, President Harding mingles with his constituents while holding a baby.
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During his journey, President Harding discussed agricultural policies with farmers. Here, he learns about irrigation techniques from a farmer in Idaho.
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At Yellowstone National Park, President Harding took a break from the crowds to enjoy the tranquil beauty of nature. In this animated stereograph, the president and Mrs. Harding admire stunning views of Yellowstone Falls with Park Superintendent Horace M. Albright.
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President Harding’s visit to Oregon included stops in Meacham and Portland. Here, President Harding visits with members of the Umatilla nation, near Meacham, Oregon.
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The longest leg of the “Voyage of Understanding” was devoted to exploring the Alaskan territory. Harding spent over two weeks in the territory, visited several towns. In this animated stereograph, President Warren G. Harding and First Lady Florence Harding examine a salmon presented by a man in Metlakatla, Alaska.
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President Harding’s travel party also had the opportunity to marvel at the natural wonder of Alaska. Here, the president and Mrs. Harding cross the chilly waters with Territorial Governor Scott C. Bone.
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On July 15, 1923, President Harding helped celebrate the completion of the Alaska Railroad by driving in a golden spike into a new railroad bridge across the Tanana River at Nenana. In this animated stereograph, the president is pictured at left holding a sledgehammer, just prior to striking the golden spike.
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Immediately after his historic journey through Alaska, President Harding became the first sitting American president to visit Canada. Here, the president and first lady visit Vancouver, British Columbia, accompanied by a military escort.
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Following President Harding’s sudden death on August 2, 1923, the president’s personal railroad car was used to transport his body. Mourners across the country met the train as it somberly traveled to the nation’s capital. This animated stereograph shows mourners visiting the Superb, the president’s Pullman railroad car, as it passed through Chicago, Illinois.
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Prior to burial, Harding’s body lay in state at the White House and the Capitol. This scene from August 8, 1923, shows Harding’s casket in the East Room of the White House, as servicemen from a military honor guard look on.
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This animated stereograph shows Harding’s casket just prior to its departure from the White House. The funeral procession traveled from the White House to the Capitol, before Harding’s body was placed aboard a funeral train for the final stage of its journey.
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On August 10, 1923, a final funeral service was held for Harding in his hometown of Marion, Ohio. Among those who paid their respects were Harding’s friends including Harvey Firestone, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Supreme Court Chief Justice William H. Taft, as well as Harding’s successor President Calvin Coolidge. This animated stereograph shows members of the funeral party leaving the cemetery after the funeral service.
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