March 27, 1912: In Washington, D.C., Helen Taft, wife of President
William Taft, and the Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese ambassador, planted two Yoshino cherry trees on the northern
bank of the Potomac River, near the Jefferson Memorial.

The event was held in celebration of a gift, by the Japanese
government, of  3,020 cherry trees to the U.S. government.

The planting of Japanese cherry trees along the Potomac was
first proposed by socialite Eliza Scidmore, who raised money
for the endeavor. Helen

Taft had lived in Japan while her husband was president of the
Philippine Commission, and knowing the beauty of cherry
blossoms she embraced Scidmore’s idea. After learning of
the first lady’s interest, the Japanese consul in New York
suggested making a gift of the trees to the U.S. government
from the city of Tokyo.