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On this day in 1880 Rutherford B. Hayes became the first U.S. President to visit Oregon. Accompanying him was his wife, General Wm. Tecumseh Sherman, and other officials. After arriving by stage from California, the presidential party spent the night in Jacksonville at the town's finest hostelry, the French Hotel, operated by Madame Derebaum. Prior to his arrival, Madame Derebaum had gone to considerable expense refurbishing the room President and Mrs. Hayes would use. The next morning prior to the party's departure, Madame Derebaum presented the President's secretary with a bill for $100. His reply was, "We don't wish to buy your hotel, madame," and he handed her twenty-five dollars.
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