William McKinley

25th President of the United States

Years in Office: 1897-1901

Party: Republican

Assassinated in office

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President William McKinley, known for leading the United States during the Spanish-American War, was the first president to ride in an automobile, taking a ride in a Stanley Steamer during the 1899 inaugural parade.

William McKinley

William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States, served from 1897 until his assassination in 1901. Born on January 29, 1843, in Niles, Ohio, McKinley was a Republican and a veteran of the Civil War. He rose through the political ranks, representing Ohio in the U.S. House of Representatives before becoming Governor of Ohio. McKinley's presidency was marked by economic prosperity, and he advocated for protective tariffs, promoting American industry.

One of McKinley's notable achievements was the passage of the Gold Standard Act in 1900, which firmly established the gold standard for U.S. currency. He also led the nation through the Spanish-American War in 1898, resulting in the acquisition of territories like Puerto Rico and the Philippines. Tragically, McKinley's presidency was cut short when he was shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz during a public event in Buffalo, New York, on September 6, 1901. He succumbed to his wounds on September 14, making McKinley the third U.S. president to be assassinated. His legacy is often associated with economic policies and the country's emergence as a global power at the turn of the 20th century.