Flossi’s Excellent Adventure

The last ex-president to drive across the country was Harry S. Truman. After leaving the White House in January 1953, Truman and his wife, Bess, embarked on a road trip across the United States. The journey began in Independence, Missouri, and spanned 19 days, covering over 2,500 miles.

Truman's road trip was quite a significant event, as it was unusual for a former president to travel in such an unassuming manner. The Trumans travelled without Secret Service protection, which was not mandatory at the time, and drove their own car, a Chrysler New Yorker. They stayed in motels and visited friends along the way, drawing attention and admiration from the public wherever they went.

This journey is well-documented in Matthew Algeo's book Harry Truman’s Excellent Adventure: The True Story of a Great American Road Trip. It provides a detailed account of the trip and its significance in American history.