PRESIDENTS

When U.S. President Grover Cleveland Served As an Executioner

“Big Steve,” as he was known back then, took the lives of two criminals when he was the Erie County Sheriff.

Like this kid, George H.W. Bush really, really hated broccoli.

6 Things Once Banned From the White House

George H.W. Bush despised broccoli so much, he had it banned from the White House and Air Force One during his presidency.

Thomas Jefferson via NYPL // Public Domain

Flip Through Thomas Jefferson’s 18th Century Wine Records

He kept meticulous accounts of his financial transactions.

Pete Souza via Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

Oval Office Decor Through The Decades: All the Presidents' Desks

Eighteen U.S. presidents have conducted business in the Oval Office since it was first constructed in 1909, but in all that time, only six desks have been used.

The Surprising Link Between the Deaths of Three 19th Century Presidents

The cold William Henry Harrison caught during his inauguration may not have been what killed him.

A Brief History of the First Oval Office Phone

Back when a telegram was the only alternative, it's hard to imagine anyone operating without a phone—especially the President of the United States.

What Early-20th Century American Presidents Sounded Like

What did "Silent Cal" Coolidge sound like when he deigned to speak? Or how about Benjamin Harrison, the first president to be captured on audio?

What Did Grover Cleveland Do Between Terms?

After losing to Benjamin Harrison, Cleveland really thought he was done with government. But his wife thought otherwise.

Alexander Gardner via Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

Did Abraham Lincoln Have a Genetic Mutation?

With his long limbs, big hands, and thin face, our 16th president seems like a good candidate for the condition, but historians and geneticists just aren’t sure.

Has JFK's Eternal Flame Ever Been Extinguished?

After John F. Kennedy was assassinated, his wife was very specific about the type of memorial she wanted him to have.

5 Foods Thomas Jefferson Introduced or Made Popular in America

Richard Nixon's Impromptu Piano Recital

Forty two years ago today, "The Dick and Pearl Show" managed to distract Washington from the Watergate Scandal for one night.

9 of History's Most Creative Political Insults

If you’re going to tear your rival a new one, at least use some imagination,

5 First Things Presidents Did in Office

On the campaign trail, candidates say they have big plans for their first day in the White House.

Who Were the Presidents’ Favorite Presidents?

25 Things You Should Know About Washington, D.C.

Congressional bathtubs! Secret subway systems! Read on for more about the hidden side of the capital city.

What Happens to Leftover Campaign Funds When a Candidate Drops Out?

The Federal Election Commission has strict rules about what federal candidates can and can't do with leftover campaign money, and the biggest directive is that they can't pocket it for personal use.

Meet 5 Other Famous Abe Lincolns

In honor of what would have been his 207th birthday, here are five men who also answered to the presidential moniker.

The Healthy Habits of 15 U.S. Presidents

The presidency is an exhausting job—both mentally and physically. From John Quincy Adams to Barack Obama, many of the men we’ve voted into the White House really understood the importance staying in shape.

7 Presidential Facts about Herbert Hoover

Here are a few things worth knowing about the 31st President, Herbert Hoover.

10 Unexpected Duties Performed by the Secret Service

We're guessing Secret Service agents didn't sign up to be wingmen and bellhops.

“Abraham Lincoln,” by Matthew Brady. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

Neil deGrasse Tyson Pays Homage to Abe Lincoln, the Science Guy

Neil deGrasse Tyson reflects on Lincoln’s contributions to science in a speech commemorating the Gettysburg Address.

7 Presidential Facts About Rutherford B. Hayes

Some American presidents have their faces on currency, some get memorialized in films and miniseries and sketches. Then there are the others, whose all-but-forgotten names are unceremoniously attached to middle schools and parks across the country. The 19

Theodore Roosevelt's Lost Love

After what should have been the happiest day of his life, a grieving Teddy turned his back on his burgeoning political career—and abandoned his newborn daughter.

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