From George Washington to Donald Trump, the lives of US presidents have been anything but boring. In fact, many of our nation’s leaders had strange habits, unusual hobbies, weird jobs, and even bizarre superstitions! Here are some fun facts about US presidents that will leave you scratching your head:
Strange Habits of US Presidents
1. Franklin Pierce was known for his odd habit of chewing tobacco while in office. He once famously said “If I can’t drink or smoke, I might as well be a damned fool.”
2. Abraham Lincoln was notoriously clumsy. He reportedly tripped on stairs, fell out of chairs, and often walked into walls.
3. James Garfield could write with both hands simultaneously – one in Latin and the other in Greek.
4. William Taft was an avid baseball fan who once got stuck in the White House bathtub.
Unusual Hobbies and Interests of US Leaders
5. Thomas Jefferson loved to invent things. Among his creations were a swivel chair, a folding ladder, and a pedometer.
6. John F. Kennedy was obsessed with the sea. He wrote several books about it and even installed a pool at the White House so he could practice scuba diving.
7. Ronald Reagan was a lifelong horse lover who used to ride horses every weekend when he lived in California.
8. Barack Obama is a huge basketball fan and played regularly during his presidency.
Weird Jobs Held by US President Before Office
9. Andrew Johnson worked as a tailor before becoming president.
10. Herbert Hoover owned a successful mining company before entering politics.
11. Jimmy Carter was a peanut farmer before running for office.
Bizarre Superstitions and Beliefs of US Commanders-in-Chief
12. Richard Nixon believed in astrology and consulted with a psychic named Jeane Dixon throughout his presidency.
13. Theodore Roosevelt refused to shave his mustache because he thought it would bring him bad luck.
14. Woodrow Wilson believed that he had a direct line to God and frequently prayed for guidance.
Odd Physical Traits and Quirks of US Chief Executives
15. Abraham Lincoln had a long middle finger which he used to play pranks on people.
16. Benjamin Harrison was only 5 feet tall and weighed less than 100 pounds.
17. Chester A. Arthur wore a fake beard made from human hair.
18. Bill Clinton has a talent for playing the saxophone and occasionally performed live concerts during his presidency.