Facts about presidents

Facts About Presidents

George Washington's birthday floated around February as a federal holiday since the 19th century until an act of Congress anchored the celebration. But several states also celebrated another president's February birthday and decided to combine it with Washington's to make a single holiday. Nowadays the third Monday in February commemorates all U.S. presidents, birthdays included.

Thomas Jefferson

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?

James Madison

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?

James Monroe

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?

John Quincy Adams

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?

Andrew Jackson

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?

Martin Van Buren

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?

John Tyler

10th president

• Birthday: March 29, 1790 

A son of a politically connected tobacco planter, John Tyler opposed what contentious agreement during his congressional career?

James Polk

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?

Zachary Taylor

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?

Millard Fillmore

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?

Franklin Pierce

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?

Ulysses S. Grant

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?

Rutherford B. Hayes

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?

James Garfield

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?

Chester Arthur

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?

Grover Cleveland

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?

Benjamin Harrison

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?

William Howard Taft

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?

Woodrow Wilson

28th president

• Birthday: Dec. 28, 1856 

 Recognized for his foreign diplomacy, Woodrow Wilson battled a hostile U.S. Senate over what international agreement?

Calvin Coolidge

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?

Herbert Hoover

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?

Franklin D. Roosevelt

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?

John F. Kennedy

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?

Lyndon B. Johnson

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?

Gerald Ford

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?

Jimmy Carter

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?

Ronald Reagan

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?

George H.W. Bush

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?

Bill Clinton

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?

George W. Bush

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?

Barack Obama

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?