It seems like almost yesterday that President William Howard Taft visited Cape Girardeau . His purpose was to promote the deepening and stabilization of the Mississippi River channel. President Taft was the first sitting President to ever visit the city and Cape Girardeau and the whole region prepared for his visit accordingly. A welcome arch was constructed over the entrance to the city at Themis Street, a commemorative badge was commissioned, a grand parade planned, and special excursion