AAA Firsts

At a meeting in Chicago on March 4, 1902, a group of automobile clubs met to form a federation that would fight for improved roads in the United States and, as a result, the American Automobile Association was born.

First Clubs:

Chicago Automobile Club, Automobile Club of America, Automobile Club of New Jersey, Long Island Automobile Club, Rhode Island Automobile Club, Philadelphia Automobile Club, Automobile Club of Utica, Grand Rapids Automobile Club and Princeton University Automobile Club.

First Office:

753 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY.

First Issue:

AAA supported the Brownlow-Latimer Bill of 1902 that called for the appropriation of federal funds for the improvement of national highways.

First Map:

Manhattan, 1905. The map was hand drawn on linen in ink.

First Reciprocal Agreement:

Touring Club of France, 1905. AAA's agreements with foreign auto clubs continue to provide AAA members with benefits while traveling abroad.

First Logo:

1906. Three capital A's inside interlocking wheels.

First Publication:

American Motorist, 1909. This monthly magazine featured travel articles, maps, road reports, hotel and garage listings, state motoring laws and club news.

First Road Service:

1915, provided by the Automobile Club of St. Louis.

First Hotel Directory:

1916.

First Camping Book:

1920.

First AAA School Safety Patrol™:

Chicago, 1920.

First Travel Agency:

The AAA National Touring Bureau, 1924. In addition to providing travel information, this department spearheaded the development of AAA's member publications.

© 2006 American Automobile Association