The Original Trendsetter
Teddy Roosevelt left an indelible mark on history with his 17-day voyage to the Panama Canal in 1906, marking the first-ever overseas trip by a U.S. president via an airplane. However, his namesake and predecessor, F.D. Roosevelt, set a significant precedent by being assigned his dedicated presidential aircraft. During World War II, concerns arose about the safety of a president traveling on commercial flights. It led to the introduction of the “Sacred Crow,” a plane exclusively designated for the president’s use. Given F.D. Roosevelt’s confinement to a wheelchair due to polio-induced leg paralysis, the “Sacred Crow” was customized with a low door and a tailor-made ramp, facilitating easy access for the president. Thus, the second Roosevelt became the pioneering figure in the legacy of Air Force One.
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