Flossi Crossing the Midwest

One of the most travelled presidential candidates in U.S. history was Harry S. Truman during his 1948 whistle-stop campaign. Truman travelled an impressive 31,000 miles across the United States, giving 352 speeches in various cities and towns, many of which were small and previously unheard of in presidential campaigning. His tour, mostly by train, helped energise his underdog campaign and ultimately contributed to his surprising victory over Governor Thomas E. Dewey. Truman’s direct interaction with rural voters, where he often spoke from the rear platform of his train, became legendary for its personal touch and effectiveness.