There’s a lot we think we know about American presidents. Names like George Washington and Franklin D. Roosevelt are synonymous with leadership and pivotal moments in history.
But beyond the well-documented policies and decisions, each president had unique quirks and experiences. Let’s look at ten random, unexpected, and interesting facts about American presidents that probably weren’t covered in your history class!
James Monroe Ran Unopposed
In the 1820 election James Monroe was so popular that he ran unopposed. Every electoral college vote was cast for Monroe and his running mate, Daniel D. Tompkins, except for one. This made Monroe’s re-election a historic moment, showcasing his widespread approval across the nation.
One interesting fact about Monroe’s unique unopposed re-election: He and Tompkins were the last pair of running mates to enjoy a second term as an incumbent for a full century after. Between this win and Woodrow Wilson’s re-election in 1916, no incumbent president could get re-elected.
George Washington Bred Dogs
Beyond being the first president, George Washington was also an avid dog breeder. At his Virginia home, he bred foxhounds he called the “Virginia Hound.” He carefully selected pairs and kept detailed records of the pups, even giving them fun names like True Love, Tipster, Sweet Lips, and Drunkard.
His passion led him to be credited by the American Kennel Club as the father of the American foxhound. Washington influenced other breeds like the American English coonhound, the treeing Walker coonhound, and the bluetick coonhound.
John Quincy Adams Defended Enslaved Africans
John Quincy Adams served as president for four years, from 1825 to 1829. On November 25, 1841, nearly three dozen former American slaves were returned to West Africa after a Supreme Court decision determined they ought to be freed and sent home.
More than a decade after leaving office, John Quincy Adams defended a group of enslaved Africans in the Amistad case before the Supreme Court. He argued that they should be freed after they rebelled against their captors on a slave ship. His powerful advocacy secured their freedom and repatriation.
Martin Van Buren Was the First US-Born President
While his presidency from 1837 to 1841 is often considered unremarkable, Martin Van Buren holds a unique distinction: he was the first president born in the United States.
All his predecessors were born either in England or as British subjects before the Declaration of Independence. Born in New York in 1782, Van Buren was the first to be a “real” American by birth.
William Henry Harrison’s Short Term
William Henry Harrison holds the record for the shortest presidential term. Elected in 1841, he died just 31 days after his inauguration due to illness. His brief time in office makes him a footnote in presidential history.
John Tyler Had 15 Children
John Tyler, who became president after William Henry Harrison’s death, fathered 15 children during his lifetime, making him the president with the most children.
Zachary Taylor Never Voted
Despite his military fame, Zachary Taylor never voted before becoming president in 1849. His political views were unknown because he had never participated in an election. Hopefully, he voted for himself that year!
Andrew Johnson Befriended Mice
Andrew Johnson, who became president after Lincoln’s assassination, had an unusual set of White House companions: a family of mice. Unlike other presidents who kept pets, Johnson cared for the mice, referring to them as “the little fellows.”
Ulysses S. Grant Nearly Met His Fate with Lincoln
Ulysses S. Grant, a Union general during the Civil War, was invited to attend the fateful play at Ford’s Theatre with Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865. However, Grant and his wife had to decline due to prior commitments to visit their children in New Jersey.
Rutherford B. Hayes Installed the First White House Telephone
Rutherford B. Hayes had the first telephone installed in the White House in 1877. In the early days of the telephone, the White House’s number was simply “1.”
From presidential pets to unexpected hobbies, these facts reveal the personal lives and unique stories behind America’s highest office.
Which fact surprised you the most? Leave a comment below!
