Mental Floss

PRESIDENTS

Stacy Conradt

During the early 1950s, souvenir hunters could own a piece of the White House for as little as 25 cents.

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George Washington's famous hairdo was not a wig, Benjamin Franklin liked to walk around nude, and 48 other facts no true patriot would want to miss.

Most Americans got their first look at the Kennedys through the lens of photographer Hy Peskin.

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Even leaders of the free world aren't safe from sticky-fingered thieves.

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Independence Day is right around the corner, meaning it's time to stock up on patriotic products like American flag cornhole sets, stars and stripes cufflinks, and more.

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The 25th Amendment has been in the news a lot lately. But what led to its establishment in the first place?

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The 61-page document contains thoughts on Stalin, Hitler, and Kennedy's political ambitions.

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In 1945, the first lady bungled a celebratory bottle-smashing—but the Navy came to the rescue.

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In 1807, Thomas Jefferson received an adorable gift of animals that soon went dangerously awry.

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They have ways of keeping tabs on you, and one of them is probably in your desk drawer right now.

The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library

The Hoover-era video was recently rediscovered.

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The former first lady offers readers counsel on careers, happiness, health, parenting, and more.

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The works of art are crumbling as people try to figure out what to do with them.

President Harrison was partial to corn soup.

'The Presidents’ Cookbook' includes not just recipes, but everything you could ever want to know about how chief executives up to Lyndon B. Johnson entertained.

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Rene Verdon (left center) // Wikimedia Commons

When it comes to culinary accomplishments, there’s no job more important than cooking for the president of the United States.

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The March 5, 1877 inauguration of Hayes was merely for show. Though the public didn't know it, he was already their president.

Barack Obama being sworn in as the 44th president of the United States on January 20, 2009.

From drunk vice presidents to poisoned pigeons, anything can happen on Inauguration Day—and often does.

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Thousands of onlookers lined the streets, watching as Roosevelt and a contingent of Rough Riders made their way to the U.S. Capitol.

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The 44th president has never been one to keep his love of literature a secret.

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The modern presidential library is more than a roadside attraction.

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Washington really knew how to throw a dinner party.

Governor of Alabama (and notorious segregationist) George Wallace's independent run for the presidency in 1968 caused the government to truly question the efficacy of the Electoral College.

No election cycle would be complete without a debate over whether or not the Electoral College should be abolished.