President William Howard Taft is remembered for one thing — and it’s not his presidency. For over a century, people have repeated the story that he got stuck in a bathtub. But is it true, or just one of history’s most persistent political myths?
In this episode of Smartest Year Ever, Gordy digs into the truth behind America’s most infamous presidential rumor. From custom White House bathtubs to the origins of the legend itself, you’ll learn how a story with no evidence managed to outlive the real man’s legacy.
Along the way, Gordy explores Taft’s remarkable appetite, his rivalry with Teddy Roosevelt, and the evolution of his image from President to Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. It’s a fascinating mix of politics, folklore, and media mythmaking — and a reminder that sometimes the punchlines outlive the policies.
If you love quirky presidential trivia, historical myths, or stories that make you rethink what you think you know about U.S. history, this one’s for you.
Sources
Allen, F. L. (1934). Since Yesterday. Harper & Brothers.
National Archives. (1909). “President William Howard Taft’s Custom Bathtub.” Photo Collection.
Smithsonian Magazine. (2014). “Did William Howard Taft Really Get Stuck in a Bathtub?”
Politico History Department. (2018, Feb). “The Truth About Taft’s Tub.”
Taft, W. H. (1914). Our Chief Magistrate and His Powers.
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