Facts About Presidents
Third president
- Birthday: April 3, 1743
Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence in the midst of the American Revolution. During his presidency, what war did Jefferson start and win in the Mediterranean?
Fourth president
- Birthday: March 16, 1751
Often usurped by his more famous wife, James Madison had a family estate that became a national historic landmark. What state has a mountain range and river named for him?
Fifth president
- Birthday: April 28, 1758
Famous for a foreign policy initiative, James Monroe called the Virginia militia to quash what uprising while he was governor?
Sixth president
- Birthday: July 11, 1767
After his presidency, John Quincy Adams remained in public life. What legal case did he successfully defend before the U.S. Supreme Court?
Seventh president
- Birthday: March 15, 1767
Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act, which he used to move Native American tribes west of the Mississippi River, which eventually caused an infamous incident. What former military comrade opposed Jackson's relocation efforts?
Eighth president
- Birthday: Dec. 5, 1782
While overseeing the expulsion of Native Americans from their tribal lands, what leader did Martin Van Buren meet with to discuss another forced relocation order?
10th president
- Birthday: March 29, 1790
A son of a politically connected tobacco planter, John Tyler opposed what contentious agreement during his congressional career?
11th president
- Birthday: Nov. 2, 1795
During their presidential campaign, James Polk andhis opponent disagreed over his support of westward expansion in the United States. During his single term in office, what Caribbean country did he offer to buy for $100 million?
12th president
- Birthday: Nov. 24, 1784
Zachary Taylor, who acquired a descriptive nickname, served in the U.S. Army for 40 years. He became a national hero after defeating what military general at the Battle of Buena Vista?
13th president
- Birthday: Jan. 7, 1800
Unlike several presidential predecessors, Millard Fillmore didn't come from a family that was wealthy or prominent. Yet political adversaries thwarted his presidential nomination because he supported what law?
14th president
- Birthday: Nov. 23, 1804
A distant cousin of a former first lady, Franklin Pierce is the only president from his native state. What American novelist did he meet in college?
18th president
- Birthday: April 27, 1822
In publishing Ulysses S. Grant's memoir, which restored his depleted fortune, Mark Twain compared his literary efforts to what famous military and political figure?
19th president
- Birthday: Oct. 4, 1822
Rutherford B. Hayes and his wife celebrated their silver wedding anniversary at the White House. What organization supported the couple's alcohol-free social functions?
20th president
- Birthday: Nov. 19, 1831
Assassinated (buy the book about his killer's trial), James Garfield was a major general in what famous battle?
21st president
- Birthday: Oct. 5, 1829
Chester Arthur entered the White House generally distrusted because of past political associations, he's primarily known for an act of reform. What famous novelist made a positive comment about Arthur's presidency?
22nd president
- Birthday: March 18, 1837
As the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms, Grover Cleveland held a special ceremony in a colorful room at the White House during the first one. What British philosopher was his grandchild?
23rd president
- Birthday: Aug. 20, 1833
A descendant of a prominent Virginia family, i.e., a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Harrison served in the Union Army during the Civil War. Who was his grandfather?
27th president
- Birthday: Sept. 15, 1857
Although his mentor groomed him for the presidency, William Howard Taft wanted the top job in another government branch. Who nominated Taft for his dream job?
28th president
- Birthday: Dec. 28, 1856
Recognized for his foreign diplomacy, Woodrow Wilson battled a hostile U.S. Senate over what international agreement?
30th president
- Birthday: July 4, 1872
Calvin Coolidge was a man of few words, even though he delivered the first presidential speech using this medium. He once replied "you lose" to what famous author who bet he would say more than two words during their dinner conversation?
31st president
- Birthday: Oct. 10, 1874
Herbert Hoover lived and worked aboard, mainly in this country, before he entered politics. To evade eavesdroppers in the White House, what foreign language did he and his wife use with each other?
32nd president
- Birthday: Jan. 30, 1882
Franklin D. Roosevelt was confined to a wheelchair after contracting polio, but now there's speculation he had a different disease. What children's organization did he help start because of his disability?
35th president
- Birthday: May 29, 1917
John F. Kennedy won the Pulitzer Prize, but it wasn't his first literary success. His senior thesis,a best-seller, was a nod to an earlier book by what leader?
36th president
- Birthday: Aug. 27, 1908
Although his presidency started with a national tragedy, Lyndon B. Johnson's tenure was highlighted bysweeping social reform laws. What federal judge administered the oath of office after Kennedy's assassination?
38th president
- Birthday: July 14, 1913
Never elected to an executive-branch office, Gerald Ford is the only president to receive what children's organization's highest rank?
39th president
- Birthday: Oct. 1, 1924
During his presidency, Jimmy Carter's immediate family sometimes made headlines themselves, especially his brother. From his mother's side, what music legend is a distant cousin?
40th president
- Birthday: Feb. 6, 1911
Known for playing a football hero, former actor Ronald Reagan was the designated pitchman for what company before entering politics?
41st president
- Birthday: June 12, 1924
George H.W. Bush, a World War II naval aviator, voted to abolish this service as a congressman. What submarine rescued him when his airplane went down in the Pacific?
42nd president
- Birthday: Aug. 19, 1946
Bill Clinton earned this moniker after his appearance on a nighttime talk show. Before running for public office, Clinton worked on a presidential campaign with what future Hollywood celebrity?
43rd president
- Birthday: July 6, 1946
During his presidency, George W. Bush was renowned for his fitness regimen. What sport did he play in college?
44th president
- Birthday: Aug. 4, 1961
Before running for public office, Barack Obama published a memoir that focused on his family. Once he assumed the presidency, a research facility presented him with extensive genealogy charts. Who is Obama's 17th cousin?
