The US president is, without a doubt, one of the most visible people on earth. For this reason, many of us think that we know everything about them – however, this may not be true after all.
In this article, we will be discussing one strange fact that you probably didn’t know about each of the 46 US presidents. From playing a wide range of musical instruments to having advanced views on healthcare… you are sure to be surprised by some of these entries.
George Washington
George Washington was the first-ever president of the United States.
Even though he is arguably one of the most important historical features in the country’s history, he does have a few dark secrets.
For example, he had a pair of dentures made out of the teeth of his slaves.
John Adams
John Adams was a fairly interesting guy.
During his 90 years of life, he went on his fair share of adventures. One of these adventures involved sharing a bed with none other than Benjamin Franklin.
The two decided to share a hotel room after crossing paths, only to discover that there was only one bed available.
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson had dreams of becoming a Paleontologist when he was younger.
More than anything, this president was captivated by mastodons – in short, this is a type of prehistoric elephant.
After moving into the White House, he even decorated the halls with pieces of mastodon bones.
James Madison
James Madison was the shortest US president ever elected.
At just 5’ 4’’, many saw him as a pocket-sized leader.
However, this president was known for his intellect, making his size and stature unimportant.
James Monroe
The fashion of America’s earliest presidents was pretty distinct.
With that being said, James Monroe had an outdated style, even for those times.
This president wore clothes that suited the Revolutionary War period. For this reason, he earned the nickname ‘The Last Cocked Hat’.
John Quincy Adams
John Quincey Adams was known for being a rather peculiar man.
Even though he always seemed serious, he did have a few strange habits that said otherwise.
To be more specific, Adams enjoyed himself an early morning skinny dip.
Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson had some strong opinions that made him a controversial president.
For example, he once stated that paper simply should not exist. Instead, he believed that real gold and silver should be used.
Because of this, the value of American notes took a massive hit.
Martin Van Buren
Martin Van Buren was the first American president to actually be born in the United States.
However, he was also the first president who did not speak English as his first language.
This Dutch-speaking politician only learned how to speak English after attending school in the late 1780s.
William Henry Harrison
William Henry Harrison once found himself in a feud with Native Americans.
Before becoming the ninth president, Harrison was the governor of the Indiana territory. This land was also home to a tribe of Native Americans, leading to a number of conflicts.
This feud eventually came to an end, but it did go on for many years.
John Tyler
John Tyler had 15 children in his lifetime.
He also had two different wives, something that was uncommon in those days.
Believe it or not, one of his grandchildren is still alive today.
James Polk
James Polk passed away shortly after leaving office.
His body was buried in a cemetery on the outskirts of Nashville. However, this was not his final resting place.
His body has been moved a total of three times.
Zachary Taylor
Zachary Taylor spent his fair share of time in the military.
Even though he survived many wars, he only lasted 16 months in office.
His supposed cause of death was poisoning. However, after 140 years, his body was autopsied, and this turned out to be a lie.
Millard Fillmore
Millard Fillmore had an advanced view of healthcare.
This president decided to avoid alcohol and tobacco completely in order to improve his health.
Many thought he was crazy for this – however, as we now know, these substances can cause major health concerns.
Franklin Pierce
Franklin Pierce was arrested for a serious crime during his time in office.
Pierce was charged with the murder of an elderly woman after witnesses saw him ride over her with a horse.
However, due to insufficient evidence, the charges were eventually dropped.
James Buchanan
James Buchanan was the only president to remain a bachelor for his whole life.
Even though he was once engaged, his fiancé broke off their relationship and died a few days later.
However, Buchanan did share a bedroom with the Senator of Alabama for 10 years, leading many to believe that they were romantically involved.
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was responsible for the creation of the Secret Service.
Unfortunately, the SS was not able to save Lincoln, as he was assassinated just hours later.
After numerous presidential assassinations, the SS were tasked with specifically protecting the president.
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson turns out to be more caring than once thought.
After discovering a family of mice in his bedroom, he ultimately decided to adopt them.
The president left water and flour out for them every day. More so, he referred to the mice as his ‘little fellows’.
Ulysses S. Grant
The 18th president of the US actually wasn’t Ulysses S. Grant.
His actual name was Hiram. More so, the S. in his name does not stand for anything.
The false name was chosen due to the fact that his initials would be ‘U.S’.
Rutherford B. Hayes
Hayes’ wife was a massive fan of cats.
After this discovery, the couple was sent a Siamese cat.
As it turns out, this would be the first cat of its type in American history.
James A. Garfield
Garfield was assassinated at a train station.
However, he did not die because of his gunshot wound.
Instead, he passed away from sepsis after doctors did not wash their hands.
Chester A. Arthur
Arthur was a fashion icon back in his days.
This president was known for his stylish appearance that gave him a professional look.
He reportedly owned over 80 pairs of trousers and shoes.
Grover Cleveland
Cleveland was the only president to serve non-consecutive terms.
However, this is not the strangest story related to Cleveland.
Oddly enough, a part of his body (a secret tumor that was found in his mouth) is currently stored in the Mutter Museum.
Benjamin Harrison
It isn’t unusual for presidents to have pets at the White House.
However, Benjamin Harrison had a rather peculiar pet.
Instead of the usual dog or cat, this president kept a goat during his term.
William McKinley
William McKinley lived a rather tragic life.
This president had two daughters with his wife. However, they both passed away at an early age.
More so, McKinley was eventually assassinated during his time in office.
Theodore Roosevelt
Roosevelt was often referred to as ‘Teddy’.
However, contrary to popular belief, he absolutely hated this nickname.
Both his wife and mother called him by this name, and after they died, he refused to let anybody else use the term.
William Howard Taft
The most famous toy in the world was named after Roosevelt.
During Taft’s time in office, he also wanted to leave behind a similar legacy.
However, the Billy possum never took off quite like the Teddy bear did.
Woodrow Wilson
Wilson had mixed opinions when it came to human rights.
In the end, the twenty-eighth president supported women’s suffrage.
However, he wasn’t as open-minded when it came to African American equality.
Warren G. Harding
Harding married a divorcee by the name of Florence DeWolf.
However, this relationship did not stop him from seeing other women publicly.
In fact, he was even caught sending promiscuous letters to his mistresses.
Calvin Coolidge
Coolidge was very fond of horse riding.
However, the SS did not agree with this hobby, as it was overly dangerous.
For this reason, in order to get in some exercise, Coolidge had his servants install a mechanical horse in the White House.
Herbert Hoover
Hoover was a massive pet lover.
He owned a number of dogs during his time in office.
However, arguably the strangest pet of all was his son’s real-life alligator.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Roosevelt was a very popular president during his time in office.
However, one thing that very few people knew about him was the fact that he had a crippling disability.
In fact, due to his polio, he could not stand without assistance.
Harry S. Truman
After Truman finished his term, all he wanted was to take a relaxing holiday with his wife.
However, due to his fame, this was not possible.
Harry and his wife were often spotted at roadside diners and other attractions.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Eisenhower absolutely hated squirrels.
This president was a major fan of golf.
His hatred of squirrels developed after his specially-made putting green at the White House was dug up by these furry creatures.
John F. Kennedy
When JFK was a senator, he got into a fender bender with none other than Larry King.
According to King, he was distracted by the beautiful scenery and took his eyes off the road.
Kennedy was not impressed with the TV host and only promised to drop the charges if King voted for him in the next elections.
Lyndon Baines Johnson
LBJ was one of the tallest presidents ever to take office.
He even used his height to an advantage when it came to his presidential campaign.
‘The Johnson Treatment’ involved him standing close to an opponent and letting them know exactly what he wanted.
Richard Nixon
Richard Nixon was unable to read sheet music.
However, this president could play five different musical instruments.
During his childhood, he would travel over 200 miles a week in order to make it to his different music lessons.
Gerald Ford
Gerald Ford was seen as the perfect American boy before his term.
Ford played football, did well in school, and even worked as a model.
After high school, the politician joined the navy and appeared on the cover of Cosmopolitan in his uniform.
Jimmy Carter
Carter was a peanut farmer before becoming president.
During this time, he reported seeing a UFO on his property.
When asked about it, later on, he claimed 11 other witnesses reported the sighting as well.
Ronald Reagan
Before becoming president, Reagan worked as an actor.
Even though he was happy with his career choice, there were a few incidents that he regretted.
This includes the time he acted alongside a chimpanzee and was almost killed by the animal.
George H.W. Bush
Bush was another president that wasn’t a fan of his nickname.
During his childhood, Bush was often called Poppy.
His granddaughter even named her daughter Poppy after the late president.
Bill Clinton
Clinton developed a serious heart disease during his time in office.
In order to improve his health, he switched to a vegan diet in 2010.
However, he has since broken this diet.
George W. Bush
Bush was one of four presidents who used to be cheerleaders.
In 1963, he served as head cheerleader at his high school.
He was so passionate that he even mocked rival schools through his attire and performances.
Barack Obama
Obama has a rather peculiar favorite type of food.
Taft loved possums, and Clinton was a major fan of McDonald’s.
However, Obama’s favorite meal was something a little healthier: broccoli.
Donald Trump
Donald Trump was famous before running for president.
In fact, he even appeared in numerous TV and movie scenes, including Sex and The City and The Nanny.
Trump even had his own show in The Apprentice, making him a bit more of a celebrity than most other presidents.
Joe Biden
Biden has only been in office for a few months.
For this reason, there are probably a few things that you do not know about him.
For example, the forty-sixth president overcame a bad stutter as a child.
Summary
There are a few facts that you are unlikely to know about the 46 US presidents.
From strange pets to peculiar hobbies – you are sure to be surprised by some of these revelations.