#38: Helen “Nellie” Taft

Helen “Nellie” Taft left an enduring mark on history by orchestrating the planting of 3,020 exquisite Japanese cherry trees around the Tidal Basin and Capitol grounds. Alongside Viscountess Iwa Chinda, the wife of the Japanese ambassador, Nellie personally planted the inaugural saplings during a poignant ceremony on March 27, 1912.

This grand gesture not only added timeless beauty to the capital but also symbolized a lasting bond between nations. Beyond her horticultural legacy, Nellie Taft further enriched White House traditions by elevating receptions and social gatherings to new heights, ensuring they would be cherished customs for years to come.