Photograph showing vintage autos during the Glidden Tours in Cincinnati, OH. View of Contest committee examining Glidden Tour entries. Photo dates to around 1913.

The Glidden Tours were promotional events held during the automotive Brass Era by the American Automobile Association (AAA). The AAA, a proponent for safer roads, acceptance of the automobile and automotive-friendly legislation, started the tour to promote public acceptance and bring awareness of their goals.

The original Glidden Tours were held from 1902 through 1913. They were named after Charles J. Glidden, a financier and automobileenthusiast, who presented the AAA with a trophy first awarded to the winner of the 1905 tour.