What they didn't teach you at school
From Lincoln to Kennedy, here are some fun facts about US presidents
Image: History in HD
There’s so much more to history than dates, battles, treaties, and alliances—and our national past is no exception. The presidents who helped shape the United States led fascinating lives, filled with surprising and little-known moments. Read on to discover 10 crazy facts you probably didn't know about the lives of these American presidents!
1
John F. Kennedy’s favorite
Image: Florida Memory
We all have our favorite movie or book, and JFK was no exception. America’s 35th president had a clear literary favorite : Ian Fleming’s James Bond series .
In fact, some credit President Kennedy with boosting Fleming’s popularity in the American market. Shortly after taking office, JFK hosted a dinner with several notable figures—including the creator of Bond. Following that meeting, sales of Fleming’s books skyrocketed in the US, eventually leading to the famous film adaptations!
2
Jefferson and speeches
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Thomas Jefferson was one of the great political figures who helped shape this country. And with such talent—along with his political and diplomatic skills—you might not expect that the Sage of Monticello had a hard time speaking in public. But it’s true! According to historical records, Jefferson preferred writing, as public speaking made him uneasy—even panicky at times. So much so that he delivered only two public speeches during his time in office!
3
Adams and Jefferson's caper
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Before becoming rivals, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were very good friends. In fact, they shared not only political ideals but also everyday adventures. In 1786, while traveling in England, the two—both devoted fans of Shakespeare —visited the house where the playwright was born. Legend has it that before they left, they decided to take a souvenir: a small piece of the wooden chair said to be where Shakespeare once sat while writing!
4
William McKinley's lucky charm
Image: Library of Congress
President William McKinley was known for the red carnation he often wore in his suit lapel—a flower many said he considered a good luck charm . Once, during the 1901 Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York, a little girl approached him to say hello, and the president handed her his signature flower. Strangely, just moments later, he was shot by a man in the crowd. McKinley died eight days later from his wounds.
5
Andrew Jackson's temper
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President Andrew Jackson was famously a hot-tempered man. It's believed that the 7th president fought in more than 100 duels!
According to a well-known story, in 1806, Jackson challenged a man to a duel after the man insulted his wife, Rachel. The opponent fired first and struck Jackson in the chest. But the bullet didn’t stop him —Jackson stood his ground and returned fire, mortally wounding the man. Though he survived, the bullet seriously injured Jackson, and some say it remained lodged in his chest for the rest of his life.
6
Ulysses S. Grant's last-minute decision
Image: Library of Congress
Ulysses S. Grant, commanding general of the Union Army during the Civil War and later the 18th president, was also invited to attend Ford’s Theatre with President Abraham Lincoln on the night of Lincoln's assassination. But at the last minute, Grant declined the invitation in order to visit his grandchildren. That decision may very well have saved his life.
7
Washington's teeth
Image: Ryan Quintal
Contrary to the popular myth, our first president’s teeth were not made of wood. However, it’s true that George Washington suffered from serious dental problems . In fact, he began losing his teeth before the age of 30. While his dentures weren’t wooden, they were made from a mix of materials—including ivory, copper, silver, and even animal and human teeth!
8
James A. Garfield's skills
Image: Sean Foster
President James A. Garfield was well known for his impressive oratory and writing abilities. But his talents didn’t stop with English—he was also fluent in Greek and Latin. In addition, Garfield was reportedly ambidextrous: he could write with both hands , even simultaneously. Surprisingly, he allegedly could write in two different languages at the same time—one with each hand! Hats off to him.
9
Andrew Johnson's childhood
Image: Yasamine June
Andrew Johnson didn't have an easy childhood. In fact, he started working at a very young age —when he was just 10 years old, his mother sent him and his brother to apprentice as tailors. They ran away two years later, but Johnson’s skill with fabrics stayed with him well into adulthood. It’s said he designed and sewed his own suits while in office.
10
Abraham Lincoln's hobbies
Image: Jacob Thorson
Abraham Lincoln wasn't just the leader who guided the country through the Civil War and became the 16th president—he was also a regular person, just like us, with a wide range of passions and hobbies (many, many hobbies!).
President Lincoln had a curious mind and surprisingly varied interests. He loved reading (especially Shakespeare), exploring logic and mathematics, playing chess and the violin, caring for animals (especially cats), and even had a talent for mimicking voices. In addition, he was a skilled wrestler in his youth, reportedly competing in around 300 matches and losing only once!
