Read these sentences from the first section of the article. Because of this novel characteristic which singles out Washington from other cities, coupled with the fact that the trees are now in full splendor, a short history of their appearance in the capital city is of interest. The first cherry trees were planted in Washington by Mrs. Taft's request on April 4, 1909, just a month after she first made her home in the White House.

What is the most likely reason why Cobb includes these sentences in the first section?

to create a sensory image for readers who are not familiar with cherry trees

to state the central idea and begin the narrative of how the trees arrived in Washington, D. C.

to establish himself as a credible authority on the topic of cherry trees

to build suspense as to how so many cherry trees arrived in Washington, D. C.