10 Lesser-Known Quirks of US Presidents You Never Knew

Presidents have always been a subject of interest and curiosity among people. They are the most powerful people in the world and their lives and actions are closely monitored and scrutinized. But there are always some lesser-known facts and quirks about them that are not widely known. In this article, we will take a look at ten of these lesser-known quirks of US Presidents that you never knew.

John Adams 1797 – 1801: Named His Dog “Satan”

John Adams, the second President of the United States, was known for his no-nonsense approach to politics and his strict moral code. But he had a soft spot for his dog, whom he named “Satan.” This name was probably chosen as an ironic counterpoint to Adams’ Puritan beliefs.

Thomas Jefferson 1801 – 1809: Chipped Off a Piece of Shakespeare’s Chair

Thomas Jefferson is well-known for being the author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States. What is not widely known is that during a visit to England, Jefferson chipped off a piece of Shakespeare’s chair as a souvenir. This act caused a scandal in England and Jefferson was criticized for his lack of respect for Shakespeare’s legacy.

John Quincy Adams 1825 – 1829: Liked to Skinny Dip

John Quincy Adams, the son of John Adams and the sixth President of the United States, was known for his austere and serious personality. But he had a secret penchant for skinny dipping, which he indulged in frequently during his presidency.

Andrew Jackson 1829 – 1837: Fought in 100 Duels

Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, was known for his fiery temper and his readiness to defend his honor with force. He is reputed to have fought in 100 duels, mostly to defend the honor of his wife Rachel, who was the subject of malicious gossip during his presidency.

Martin Van Buren 1837 – 1841: His Nickname “Old Kinderhook” is Thought to be the Origin of “OK”

Martin Van Buren, the eighth President of the United States, was a popular and successful politician who was known for his folksy manner and his ability to connect with ordinary people. He was nicknamed “Old Kinderhook” after his birthplace in New York, and it is said that this nickname gave rise to the term “OK”, which was used by Van Buren’s supporters to indicate that everything was “all correct.”

James K. Polk 1845 – 1849: Considered the First “Dark Horse” Candidate to Win the Election

James Polk, the 11th President of the United States, was a dark horse candidate who surprised everyone by winning the election in 1844. He was relatively unknown before the campaign, but he ran a successful campaign based on his support for expansionist policies and his promise to serve only one term in office.

James Buchanan 1857 – 1861: Regularly Bought Slaves and Freed Them in Pennsylvania

James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States, was a controversial figure who is widely criticized for his handling of the growing tensions between the North and the South in the lead-up to the Civil War. But he also had a humanitarian side, and he regularly bought slaves and freed them in Pennsylvania, where slavery was illegal.

Abraham Lincoln 1861 – 1865: Out of 300 Arm Wrestling Matches, He Only Lost Once

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, is widely regarded as one of the greatest Presidents in American history. But he was also known for his strength and athletic ability, and he was an accomplished wrestler and arm wrestler. It is said that out of 300 arm wrestling matches, he only lost once.

Ulysses S. Grant 1869 – 1877: It Was so Cold at His Inauguration That Canaries Froze to Death

Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, was inaugurated on March 4, 1869, during a bitterly cold winter day. It was so cold that canaries that had been brought to the ceremony froze to death.

William Taft 1909 – 1913: Once Got Himself Stuck in a Bathtub

William Taft, the 27th President of the United States, was known for his imposing size and his love of food. He was so large that he once got himself stuck in a bathtub and had to be rescued by his aides.

Barack Obama 2009 – Present: Was Rejected to Model for a Pin-Up Calendar Whilst at Harvard

Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, is a widely admired and respected figure who is known for his charisma, intelligence, and political skills. But in his younger days, he had a more humble ambition – he once applied to model for a pin-up calendar whilst at Harvard, but he was rejected.

Conclusion

US Presidents are among the most fascinating and complex figures in American history. They are known for their political achievements, their towering intellects, and their flawed human natures. In this article, we have explored some of the lesser-known quirks of US Presidents that are not widely known. These quirks reveal a more human side to these iconic figures, and they give us an insight into the personalities and foibles of some of the most powerful people in the world.