George Washington’s Dentures: The Truth Behind the Myth
One of the most popular myths about George Washington is that he had wooden teeth. In reality, his dental problems were much worse than that! He actually wore a set of false teeth made from hippopotamus ivory, human teeth, and even metal. But despite their strange composition, they weren’t very comfortable for him – he complained frequently about how painful they were.
Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter
It may sound like a joke, but Abraham Lincoln was rumored to have been a vampire hunter in his spare time. According to legend, he once killed a vampire named Jack Barts who had terrorized New Salem, Illinois where Lincoln lived at the time. While there’s no evidence to support this claim, it makes for an interesting story nonetheless!
James Garfield and His Love for Puzzles
President James Garfield wasn’t just a politician – he was also a skilled puzzle solver. In fact, he loved solving puzzles so much that he would often challenge guests at the White House to solve them with him. One of his favorite pastimes was working on jigsaw puzzles, which he believed helped sharpen his mind and improve his problem-solving skills.
Franklin Pierce, the Forgotten President
Many people don’t know much about Franklin Pierce, largely because his presidency was marked by several major scandals and failures. However, one interesting tidbit about him is that he was the first president to have a Christmas tree in the White House. He brought the tradition over from Europe, where it was already popular, and it quickly caught on in America as well.
John Tyler, America’s Accidental President
When William Henry Harrison died after only 31 days in office, John Tyler became the first vice president to take over as president. However, some people argue that he shouldn’t be considered a “real” president since he never won a national election. Despite this controversy, Tyler still managed to accomplish quite a bit during his time in office, including signing the bill that established the Smithsonian Institution.
William Henry Harrison: The Shortest Presidency in History
Speaking of William Henry Harrison, he holds the dubious honor of having the shortest presidency in history. After delivering a lengthy inauguration speech in freezing weather without proper clothing or protection, he contracted pneumonia and died shortly thereafter. To this day, historians debate whether his death was truly caused by the cold or if it was simply a convenient excuse for those who wanted him out of office.
