You must know these facts about US presidents! They’re too juicy not to be shared!
From the founding fathers to our modern leaders, the history of our leaders is packed with unexpected, quirky, and totally fascinating details. These influential figures shaped the nation in ways you wouldn’t believe, often leading lives that are far more interesting than what you might find in a textbook.
For instance, did you know that besides serving in the military, one president once performed in the circus? Or that another made it a point to swim in the Potomac River every day to stay healthy? And those are just a couple of the exciting tidbits you’ll discover today! But I warn you: these surprising stories and unique habits might just change how you see US presidents.
Whether you’re a history buff or just love discovering new and fun facts, this article is for you! Get ready to explore the lesser-known sides of your favorite leaders and learn things about their lives, loves, and legacies that will truly surprise you. So buckle up for a thrilling ride through some presidential secrets—you’re in for a treat! Let’s go!
1. Grammy winners
Did you know that some of our most notorious leaders have each won a Grammy? We’re talking about Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Jimmy Carter. Even though they’re not songwriters or singers, we can’t deny their oratory talents. Each one of them nabbed a Grammy for Best Spoken Word Album for the audio versions of their biographies. Pretty cool, right?
…Barack Obama’s book is pretty interesting, if I do say so myself. The best part? The audio version—yep, the one that won him a Grammy! If you’re interested in giving it a try, check it out here!
2. Gerald Ford was a model
Nobody can deny that Gerald Ford was quite the handsome man, especially when he was younger! Just take a look at his picture and tell me I’m wrong. Before stepping into the Oval Office as the 38th US president, Ford had a side gig as a model.
In 1942, shortly after joining the Navy, he landed an uncredited spot on the cover of the glossy Cosmopolitan magazine. And the best part? He was wearing his Navy uniform for the shoot.
But that’s not the only interesting fact about Mr. Ford. During this time, he also met fellow model Elizabeth Bloomer. They fell in love, married, and she became known to Americans as First Lady Betty Ford.
3. Jimmy Carter and UFOs
Did you know that Jimmy Carter believed in UFOs? In 1973, four years before becoming one of the most powerful political figures in the country, Carter filed a report about a UFO sighting he had in Georgia back in 1969.
He called it “the darnedest thing” he’d ever seen. But that wasn’t all—he even mentioned that if elected, he’d disclose government information about UFOs. However, once he became president, he backpedaled on that promise.
…Do you believe in UFOs? Let me know in the comments below! I’m still not sure if we’re the only ones in the Universe!
4. John Quincy Adams was a skinny-dipping fan
Besides serving as the sixth president of the United States, John Quincy Adams was also a member of multiple political parties over the years and held various roles, including senator, diplomat, and member of the House of Representatives.
But here’s something you might not know about Mr. Adams: while in office, he often swam in the Potomac River—and preferred to do his physical activity in the buff! According to his diary, he was an early riser and loved waking up at 4 am.
One of his favorite morning activities? Skinny-dipping. While this might sound a little risqué now, it was actually quite popular in the 1800s. And hey, who wouldn’t be curious to see a presidential… splash?
5. Herbert Hoover was pretty difficult
Herbert Hoover is another US president we have to talk about because he did something that, when you think about it, was pretty controversial. In a rather peculiar move, the 31st leader of the country requested that his staff avoid being seen around the White House when he was present. And here’s the kicker: he didn’t want to see them either.
This led to some funny situations, with staff members feeling the need to hide whenever the president was around. White House journalist Kenneth Walsh mentioned that staff would sometimes “pile into closets” or “hide behind bushes” to stay out of sight.
…What do you think about this request? Do you find it strange, or do you think it’s understandable?
6. George Washington and cannabis
Did you know that George Washington grew cannabis? But don’t be quick to judge, because he wasn’t a stoner. He only grew hemp, not marijuana, but hey, they both belong to the cannabis family.
The politician cultivated the hemp at his estate in Mount Vernon for industrial uses, such as making canvas and rope. Pretty cool, right?
7. Warren Harding and the loss of White House china
Here’s another fascinating tidbit about one of the most memorable US presidents—Warren Harding, the 29th president. He had a strong passion for poker, and not just any poker—he was a high roller!
During one of his biweekly poker games, Harding gambled away a gorgeous set of china from the White House. And get this: that beautiful set had been there since President Benjamin Harrison’s tenure, six terms before his.
Harding bet it all on one ill-advised hand, and just like that, the White House was left without its precious china.
8. Ulysses S. Grant was arrested
No, no, he didn’t do anything crazy wrong. He was just speeding—but on a horse! The 18th US president was quite a skilled rider and had a lot of confidence in his abilities, as he should have.
But here’s the thing: he was pulled over twice within 24 hours for riding his horse at a fast and furious pace. The second time, a bold police officer decided to arrest the president, who was ultimately given a fine.
One thing led to another, and according to some legends, the US president and the officer became pretty good friends.
9. Bill Clinton and “My Little Pony”
During a fun and lovely segment on NPR’s “Wait, Wait … Don’t Tell Me!”, the 42nd US president, Bill Clinton, was quizzed about the animated series “My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic”. To everyone’s surprise, he nailed all three questions and won a great prize for the lucky listener he was playing for.
10. Franklin D. Roosevelt named the first woman to his cabinet
Here’s my kind of US president—Franklin D. Roosevelt. This politician made history in 1933 when he appointed Frances Perkins as the first woman to serve in an American presidential cabinet.
This remarkable woman became the Secretary of Labor, a role that gave her the chance to make a real difference during a tough time in our country’s history. She had great contributions, especially as we dealt with the challenges of the Great Depression. She and Roosevelt had teamed up back when he was the governor of New York, working together on important labor reforms.
During her time in office, Ms. Perkins was a driving force behind the creation of key programs like Social Security and labor protections, leaving behind a legacy that continues to impact American life today.
…What do you think about these US presidents and the things they did throughout their careers? If you’d like to read part II of this article, make sure to leave a comment below, because there are so many juicy things to share! I would personally love to write more about our leaders, so I’m waiting for you to give me the chance to do it!
With that being said, if you want to read more from Light On Politics, here’s a wonderful post you won’t want to miss: 6 Presidential Campaign Posters That Deserve a Place in a Museum
