6 Strange Facts about US Presidents
As we celebrate President’s Day this year, let us take a moment to reflect on some of the oddest, quirkiest, and downright bizarre facts about our nation’s leaders. From presidents who never existed to those with eccentric hobbies, here are six strange facts that will make you look at these men in a whole new light.
1. The President Who Never Existed
Did you know that there was once a president who never actually existed? Well, sort of. In 1957, a group of pranksters created an elaborate hoax claiming that a man named George Psalmanazar had been elected as the 8th president of the United States. They even went so far as to create fake newspaper articles and biographies detailing his life. While it may seem hard to believe today, many people were fooled by the ruse!
2. The First POTUS with a Beard
While beards have become increasingly popular among men over the years, they were once seen as quite unconventional. That is until Abraham Lincoln became the first president to sport one during his time in office. His facial hair quickly became iconic, and he has since been immortalized in statues and portraits with his signature beard.
3. The Commander-in-Chief who was Almost Assassinated 7 Times
It’s no secret that being the leader of the free world comes with its fair share of risks. But did you know that one president narrowly escaped assassination attempts not just once or twice but seven times? It’s true! Theodore Roosevelt survived multiple attempts on his life throughout his presidency, including one where he was shot in the chest while giving a speech. He refused to cancel his appearance and instead delivered his address while bleeding profusely from his wound. Talk about toughness!
4. The Presidential Pet that Saved the Day
Many presidents have had pets during their time in office, but few can say that their furry friend saved the day. However, that’s exactly what happened when President Franklin Pierce’s pet eagle, Old Abe, flew off during a hunting trip. As luck would have it, the bird spotted a lost child in the woods and alerted the hunters to her location. Thanks to Old Abe’s quick thinking, the girl was rescued safely.
5. The Chief Executive with an Eccentric Hobby
President Ulysses S. Grant was known for many things, but perhaps none more surprising than his love of horses. Not only did he own several thoroughbreds during his lifetime, but he also enjoyed racing them himself. In fact, he was such a skilled horseman that he reportedly won several races against other professional jockeys.
6. The Oddball Vice Presidents of America
Finally, let’s take a moment to recognize some of the strangest vice presidents in American history. There was John C. Calhoun, who believed that slavery was a “positive good,” and Dan Quayle, who famously misspelled “potato” during a school visit. Then there was Andrew Johnson, who took over as president after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination but was later impeached for violating the Tenure of Office Act. And last but certainly not least, there was Nelson Rockefeller, who was rumored to have had affairs with numerous women while serving as VP under Gerald Ford.