Vintage RPPC c1923 President Harding’s Alaskan Voyage of Understanding in Port at San Francisco, California CA shortly before his death. Harding in the summer of 1923. The tour took place during the final weeks of Harding’s life, as he fell ill during the tour and died. Harding wished to spend time outside of Washington, D. Following a number of scandals that had begun to cast a shadow over his presidency, most notably the Teapot Dome scandal. He chose to embark on a tour to improve public relations in anticipation of his reelection campaign in 1924. President Harding, along with Florence Harding and a large company of officials, began the tour across the United States aboard the Superb. He died in San Francisco on August 2. The original cause of death was stated to be a stroke, but it is now believed that he died of a heart attack.