US President Wilson's passport applications

passport application president wilson

Wilson is getting ready for his journey to France, England, and Italy with the aim of negotiating a resolution to World War I.

A significant event is the submission of official United States passport applications, filled out by President Woodrow Wilson’s hand and signed “Woodrow Wilson” and “Edith Bolling Wilson,” each comprising one-page front and back, measuring 8.5 x 13.75 inches.

These applications, dating around October-December 1918, coincide with President Wilson’s preparations for his journey to Europe later that year. The documents contain over fifty words handwritten by the president, with references to “Wilson” or “Woodrow Wilson” appearing five times. In these autobiographical records, “Woodrow Wilson” affirms his U.S. citizenship, stating his birth in “Staunton, Va. on the 28th day of December 1856,” mentioning his deceased father, “Joseph R. Wilson,” born in “Steubenville, Ohio.”

He lists his current residence as “Washington” and his occupation as “President of the United States.” The purpose of the passport is for “Official” travel to “France, England, Italy,” reflecting his upcoming trip to participate in the Preliminary to the Paris Peace Conference in France (December 14-25, 1918), meetings with Prime Minister Lloyd George and King George V in London (December 26-31, 1918). passport application president wilson

Returning to Paris (December 31-January 1), and engagements with King Victor Emmanuel III and Prime Minister Orlando in Italy (January 1-6, 1919). These diplomatic endeavors laid the groundwork for Wilson’s attendance at the Paris Peace Conference (January-February and March-June, 1919), culminating in the Treaty of Versailles, which marked the end of World War I.

In the lower section, President Wilson affixes his signature to an oath pledging allegiance to uphold and safeguard the Constitution. On the back, he provides detailed physical characteristics: passport application president wilson

“Age: 61, Height: 5 feet 10 1/2 inches, Forehead: Square, Eyes: Grey, Nose: Prominent, Mouth: Small, Chin: Long, Hair: Grey, Complexion: Ruddy, and Face: Long.” He has also completed Mrs. Wilson’s application, specifying that their journey will commence from the port of “New York.” The documents are in excellent overall condition.