Statue #27: William Howard Taft

Rapid City, South Dakota

Although best-known today for being America's most corpulent Chief Executive, William Howard Taft (1909-1913) is depicted in bronze for one of his forgotten accomplishments: throwing the first ceremonial presidential pitch to start the baseball season in 1910. He stands, leaning forward, about to throw the baseball he holds behind his back, which has been rubbed to a shine by luck-seeking tourists.

Taft is the only American President to have also served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Amazing Arcana of the Presidents

Taft, a genial fellow, stayed up the last night of his presidency to fulfill thousands of requests for his autograph.

[Discover more fascinating details in the Roadside Presidents iPhone app!]

City of Presidents

Since 2000, Rapid City has commissioned and installed bronze statues of every former U.S. President on its downtown street corners. Visitors are encouraged to take a walking tour of the City of Presidents and inspect the nation's metallic Commanders in Chief. Paper guides are available year-round at the city's main Visitor Center at 512 Main St.