10 Fun Facts About Presidents For Everyone

Introduction

Presidents always fascinate us. Whether it’s their policies, their views on different issues, or their personality traits – they always capture our attention. However, there is much more that we don't know about our presidents other than what we learned from their time in office. Here, we have compiled 10 fun and interesting facts about presidents that everyone should know.

George Washington Didn't Have Wooden Teeth

This one is always atop of the list of fun facts about presidents. One of the most widely known facts about George Washington is that he had wooden teeth. However, that's not entirely true.

George Washington had several sets of dentures, but they were not made of wood. In fact, they were commonly made from hippopotamus ivory, human teeth, and even animal teeth.

Teddy Roosevelt Wrote More Than 30 Books

Everyone knows Teddy Roosevelt was a president who loved adventure and the thrill of excitement, but Roosevelt makes it onto the list of fun facts about presidents because he wrote more than 30 books. That’s right. His writings cover a wide range of topics, from hunting and nature to politics and history.

Thomas Jefferson’s Inventions

Thomas Jefferson was a jack of all trades. In addition to being a founding father who wrote the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson also invented the swivel chair, the dumbwaiter, and a revolving book stand.

So go ahead and spin in your swivel chair if you’re reading this at your desk and enjoy more fun facts about presidents.

John F. Kennedy and the PT-109 Boat

During World War II, John F. Kennedy served in the U.S. Navy and was the captain of a Patrol Torpedo (PT) boat. On Aug. 2, 1943, PT-109 was rammed by a Japanese destroyer, and Kennedy and his crew were forced to swim to an island. With Kennedy's leadership, the surviving members of the crew were finally rescued. Maybe that anecdote doesn’t qualify as fun facts about presidents, but it is a heck of a story.

Abraham Lincoln's Ironclad Warship

During the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln saw a need for a new type of warship that could withstand enemy fire. He authorized the creation of an “ironclad” vessel covered in metal plates. This new type of ship would change naval warfare forever.

Again, this example likely does not fit for a blog post that lists fun facts about presidents, but it is pretty cool to know where our modern Navy’s roots came from.

First president to live in the White House

There are probably thousands of fun facts about presidents, but did you know that John Adams was the first president to live in the White House? The White House wasn't always the luxurious home we know it as today. In fact, when John Adams moved into the White House in 1800, it was still unfinished.

Adams was known to love the peace and quiet of the White House and often took long walks on the grounds. He also advocated for using the White House to host diplomatic receptions and other formal events, solidifying the building's place as the center of American political life.

FDR was the only president to serve more than two terms

Did you know that Franklin D. Roosevelt was the only president to serve more than two terms? It just goes to show how much the American people trusted and admired him. He led the country through the Great Depression and World War II, and they still wanted him in charge for another round.

It is hard to imagine that FDR was having any fun while he was the president, but at least we get to share some fun facts about presidents like him.

A Spider-Man Comic Collector

Barack Obama is a huge fan of Spider-Man and among his various interests and hobbies, Obama has a soft spot for the friendly neighborhood webslinger. He has been known to collect Spider-Man comics and even referenced the superhero in his speeches.

It's not every day you hear about a world leader being a fanboy for a comic book character. It just goes to show that even those in the highest positions of power can have a fun and quirky side to them and make the list of fun facts about presidents.

The Buck Stops Here

Of all the fun facts about presidents we’ve mentioned so far, none has had more impact on American culture than this saying which is still used today. “The buck stops here!” was a phrase coined by Harry S. Truman. He popularized the phrase.

Truman was one of our nation's most beloved presidents, known for his down-to-earth demeanor and no-nonsense attitude. So, it makes sense that he would want to emphasize that he was willing to take responsibility for whatever came his way. So, he put a sign on his desk, right in plain view for all to see. And it worked - he became known as a leader who was willing to take charge and get things done.

A president with 50 film credits

The last fun facts about presidents are about Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States. Prior to becoming president, he was an actor. Before he got into politics, he appeared in more than 50 films, from westerns to romantic comedies, he definitely had some range when it came to acting.

Conclusion

These are just a few fun facts about presidents. Next time you hear about President Washington’s wooden teeth or John F. Kennedy’s PT-109 boat, you can share these lesser-known facts with your friends and family. No matter where your interest lies - inventions, literature, or even naval history - there is a president for everyone.