Presidents Day Weekend is here. Presidents Day has been a Federal holiday since 1879 following President Lincoln’s proclamation in 1862 to give the nation a day off to celebrate President Washington’s birthday. Beginning in the 1960s, Presidents Day Weekend was modified to celebrate all United States Presidents who have served the country in the Oval Office.
For centuries, United States Presidents have traveled to Italy, giving way to some of the most historic meetings, trade deals, and diplomatic affairs in history. When you're done reading be sure to take our quiz here to test your knowledge of how well you know about the Presidents' trips to Italy.
Here are five facts about United States Presidents' trips to Italy:
There have been 31 total trips made by United States Presidents to Italy while presiding over the Oval Office.
Woodrow Wilson was the first United States President to travel to Italy. In 1919, following the end of World War I, the 28th President traveled to Rome, Genoa, Milan and Torino, and met with historic Italian political and military figures such as King Victor Emmanuel III.
Bill Clinton has been the most frequent presidential traveler to Italy. While serving as the 42nd President, Clinton traveled to Italy eight times, more than any other United States President in history.
Rome has been the most frequently visited of all Italian cities by United States Presidents, with 22 out of all 31 presidential trips making a stop in the Eternal City.
Harry Truman was the last United States President to skip a trip to Italy. Every President since Truman has made at least one visit to Italy while in the Oval Office.
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