American Presidents: Surprising Facts You Didn't Learn in School

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Some people have a wealth of knowledge about America's past presidents. These men held the highest office in the land for four or more years, making critical decisions on domestic and international matters. Some, like George Washington and Franklin Delano Roosevelt, are widely recognized and regularly studied. However, there are others, such as Martin Van Buren and William Henry Harrison, who have been largely forgotten by today's amateur historians and casual readers.

 

Despite the impact they had on the world and the lasting legacy of their terms, these presidents had numerous intriguing aspects to their lives. While their policies and decisions are well-documented in history, there is much more to discover about each of them. In this article, we will explore ten random and unexpected tidbits from their past that you likely didn't learn in your history class.

 

1.James Monroe Ran Unopposed

In the 1820 election, James Monroe and his running mate, Daniel D. Tompkins, enjoyed unprecedented popularity throughout the young nation. Every single electoral college vote, except one, was cast for Monroe and Tompkins. This overwhelming support led to Monroe's unopposed re-election, a feat that had only been achieved once before by George Washington. Interestingly, Monroe and Tompkins were the last incumbents to win a second term as running mates for a full century until Woodrow Wilson and Thomas R. Marshall in 1916.

 

2. George Washington: Dog Breeder Extraordinaire

Beyond his renowned role as a Revolutionary War hero and the first president of the United States, George Washington had a lesser-known passion: breeding dogs. At his Virginia home, Washington meticulously bred a variety of foxhounds, which he named the "Virginia hound." His personal writings reveal the names of nearly three dozen foxhounds he bred at Mount Vernon, including dogs with whimsical names like True Love, Tipster, Sweet Lips, and even Drunkard. Washington's influence extended beyond foxhounds, as he is credited with shaping other dog breeds such as the American English coonhound, the treeing Walker coonhound, and the bluetick coonhound.

 

3. John Quincy Adams: Making a Difference Post-Presidency

After serving as president from 1825 to 1829, John Quincy Adams continued to have a significant impact on American history. Adams, who had returned to practicing law, played a pivotal role in the Amistad case. In 1841, he successfully argued before the Supreme Court for the freedom and repatriation of nearly three dozen former American slaves who had rebelled against their captors on a slave ship bound for the Western Hemisphere. Adams's efforts in the courtroom ensured that his legacy extended far beyond his presidency.

 

4. Martin Van Buren: Born and Raised in the USA

Although Martin Van Buren's presidency from 1837 to 1841 was marred by economic troubles and a failed bid for re-election, he holds a unique distinction among his predecessors. Van Buren was the first president to be born in the United States. This may seem unremarkable today, as the Constitution now requires presidential candidates to be born in the nation they seek to lead. However, in the early days of the country, this was not possible. Van Buren's birth in a small village in New York in 1782 marked the first instance of a president being born as a "real" American. Despite his presidential shortcomings, Van Buren can be credited as a pioneer in this regard.

 

5. William Henry Harrison: A Tragic Short-Lived Presidency

William Henry Harrison, the ninth president of the United States, holds a unique record in American history - his presidency lasted a mere 31 days. Elected in 1841, Harrison fell ill shortly after taking office and passed away. Despite his short-lived presidency, Harrison had an extensive political career, serving as the first governor of the Indiana Territory, a congressman from Ohio, and a U.S. Senator. His untimely death led to Vice President John Tyler assuming office.

 

6. John Tyler: A President Familiar with Stress

John Tyler, the vice president who succeeded William Henry Harrison, embraced the opportunity to lead the nation. Perhaps his ability to handle stress stemmed from his personal life - Tyler fathered an astonishing 15 children, the highest number of children among all U.S. presidents. After dealing with the challenges of raising a large family, assuming the presidency may have seemed relatively manageable.

 

7. Zachary Taylor: The Silent Voter

Zachary Taylor, a celebrated military hero, rose to prominence after his victory at Buena Vista during the Mexican-American War. This triumph propelled him into the political sphere, with many urging him to pursue a career beyond the battlefield. However, there was a peculiar aspect to Taylor's political persona: he had never revealed his political views and had never voted until his presidential election in 1849. One can only speculate if he voted for himself that year.

 

8. Andrew Johnson: The Unconventional President and His Mice Companions

Andrew Johnson unexpectedly became president following Abraham Lincoln's assassination in 1865. Unlike his predecessors, Johnson did not have a traditional White House pet. Instead, he formed an unlikely bond with a family of mice that resided in the White House. Rather than exterminating them, Johnson cared for the mice, protected them, and affectionately referred to them as "the little fellows" in his correspondence, creating a unique presidential legacy.

 

9. Ulysses S. Grant: A Close Call with History

Ulysses S. Grant, known for his leadership during the Civil War, could have experienced a different fate near the war's end. On the fateful night of April 14, 1865, Grant and his wife declined an invitation from Abraham Lincoln to join him at Ford's Theatre, as they had prior commitments to visit their children in New Jersey. Tragically, Lincoln was assassinated that evening. One can only speculate how history might have unfolded had Grant been present.

 

10. Rutherford B. Hayes: The White House Embraces Telephony

President Rutherford B. Hayes was a true pioneer when it came to technology. In 1877, he installed the first telephone in the White House, just a year after Alexander Graham Bell's successful phone call. Hayes recognized the potential of this new communication tool and foresaw its impact on the country. The telephone line at the White House had the simple number "1," reflecting the early days of telephony. This innovative move marked the beginning of a new era in communication.

 

These lesser-known facts about some of America's presidents provide intriguing insights into their lives and legacies. From tragically shortened presidencies to unconventional White House companions, these stories shed light on the quirks and unique experiences of these historical figures.