In 1874, King David Kalākaua of Hawaii became the first reigning monarch to visit the United States. His historic visit commenced on November 28, 1874, when he arrived in San Francisco, marking a significant moment in U.S.-Hawaiian relations. President Ulysses S. Grant welcomed King Kalākaua with a state dinner on December 22, 1874, which was also the first White House state dinner ever held. This lavish event was meticulously planned, featuring decorations of flowers, crystal decanters, and special Limoges china, described by newspapers as "brilliant beyond all precedent". The visit was not just a social affair; it had substantial diplomatic importance, leading to the negotiation and eventual signing of the Reciprocity Treaty in 1875, which allowed Hawaiian sugar to enter the U.S. market duty-free. King Kalākaua's journey across the United States and his reception by Congress in a first-ever joint meeting highlighted the cultural and political significance of his visit. His stay in Washington, D.C., from November 1874 to February 1875, was pivotal in strengthening ties between the two nations at a time when such relations were crucial for Hawaii's economy, particularly its burgeoning sugar industry.