101+ President's Day Fun Facts

Explore history with President's Day Fun Facts! Dive into fascinating insights on iconic leaders in this brief journey through time.

These President's Day Facts are full of all kinds of and a whole lot of HAPPY. Learn with us all about the federal holiday with these fun facts and we have some added crafts and printables for some more presidential fun!

Get ready to embark on a fascinating journey through time with President's Day Fun Facts. This adventure will take you behind the scenes of history, introducing you to some amazing leaders and the stories that make them special.

From brave decisions to fun tidbits, you're in for a treat! Let's dive in and discover the incredible world of Presidents – it's like a time machine filled with cool stories and interesting facts, just for you!

Want to save this project?

Enter your email below, and then we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus get awesome new projects from us each week.

What is President's Day

Ever wonder why we celebrate President's Day? It's a special day to honor and remember our great leaders, like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

George Washington was the first president of the United States, and he did a fantastic job leading the country. While Abraham Lincoln, helped end slavery and make the country a better place. So, President's Day is like a giant 'thank you' to these awesome leaders!

But here's the cool part – President's Day isn't just about one president. It's a day for all presidents, past and present. We celebrate their hard work as well as dedication to making our country a fantastic place. On President's Day, take a moment to learn about these amazing leaders and maybe even imagine what it would be like to be president one day!

When is President's Day

This special day doesn't fall on a specific president's birthday but is strategically placed in February between two significant leaders' birthdays – George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. On the third Monday of February, we gather to honor all presidents, past and present, for their contributions to our nation.

February is chosen because it's a time when winter is in full swing, and we take a break from our routine to reflect on the leaders who shaped our country. It's a day to delve into history, learn about remarkable presidents, and appreciate the impact they've had on our nation's journey.

Mark your calendars for the third Monday in February and get ready for a day filled with historical exploration and maybe a touch of winter fun!

Presidents Day History

Presidents Day has an intriguing history that goes back to the early days of our nation. After George Washington died in 1799, the day was established to honor Washington's birthday on February 22nd.

Later, the celebration got a bit of a makeover and shifted to the third Monday in February, merging Washington's and Abraham Lincoln's birthdays into one grand occasion. It wasn't till the 2000s that the holiday became popularly known as President's Day.

As we celebrate Presidents Day, it's more than just a day off from school or work. It's a time to remember and appreciate all U.S. presidents for their leadership and contributions. Let's dive in and learn about the remarkable individuals who have guided our country, and take a moment to reflect on their impact on the United States.

Presidents in Order

Discover the captivating stories of American presidents in order, to unravel their unique contributions and legacies that have shaped the nation's history.

Here is a list of U.S. Presidents in order, along with the years they served:

George Washington (1789–1797)
John Adams (1797–1801)
Thomas Jefferson (1801–1809)
James Madison (1809–1817)
James Monroe (1817–1825)
John Quincy Adams (1825–1829)
Andrew Jackson (1829–1837)
Martin Van Buren (1837–1841)
William Henry Harrison (1841)
John Tyler (1841–1845)
James K. Polk (1845–1849)
Zachary Taylor (1849–1850)
Millard Fillmore (1850–1853)
Franklin Pierce (1853–1857)
James Buchanan (1857–1861)
Abraham Lincoln (1861–1865)
Andrew Johnson (1865–1869)
Ulysses S. Grant (1869–1877)
Rutherford B. Hayes (1877–1881)
James A. Garfield (1881)
Chester A. Arthur (1881–1885)
Grover Cleveland (1885–1889)
Benjamin Harrison (1889–1893)
Grover Cleveland (1893–1897)
William McKinley (1897–1901)
Theodore Roosevelt (1901–1909)
William Howard Taft (1909–1913)
Woodrow Wilson (1913–1921)
Warren G. Harding (1921–1923)
Calvin Coolidge (1923–1929)
Herbert Hoover (1929–1933)
Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933–1945)
Harry S. Truman (1945–1953)
Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953–1961)
John F. Kennedy (1961–1963)
Lyndon B. Johnson (1963–1969)
Richard Nixon (1969–1974)
Gerald Ford (1974–1977)
Jimmy Carter (1977–1981)
Ronald Reagan (1981–1989)
George H.W. Bush (1989–1993)
Bill Clinton (1993–2001)
George W. Bush (2001–2009)
Barack Obama (2009–2017)
Donald Trump (2017–2021)
Joe Biden (2021–present)

President's Day Facts

The commonly used name for this holiday is President's Day, though officially it is recognized as Washington's Birthday, a federal holiday.
Some states still officially call it Washington's Birthday.
Presidents' Day is a federal holiday, so schools and government offices are closed.
Many people take advantage of Presidents' Day sales for shopping discounts.
Some states celebrate Presidents' Day with parades and events.
Many historical sites, like Mount Vernon and the Lincoln Memorial, offer special activities.

Don't Miss Our 365+ Fun Facts For Kids

The White House is the official residence of the U.S. president.
The president's official airplane is called Air Force One.
The president serves a four-year term, with a maximum of two terms.
The First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS) is the special person who takes care of the White House and helps the President. It's usually the president's wife, and she does this while the president is in charge.
Mount Rushmore in South Dakota showcases massive carvings of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, is like a rock star on President's Day, reminding us of the incredible leaders who shaped America's history!

Fun Facts about Presidents

Facts About George Washington

George Washington had a set of wooden dentures, not made from wood but carved from hippopotamus and elephant ivory!
He is often referred to as the "Father of His Country."
One famous story about George Washington tells of him chopping down a cherry tree as a boy. When confronted by his father, he said, "I cannot tell a lie, I did it with my little hatchet.
Washington's home, Mount Vernon, is located in Virginia. It has been preserved and is open to the public, allowing visitors to see where the first president lived.
Washington played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. His leadership was vital to the success of the American colonies in gaining independence from British rule.
Washington's Farewell Address is a famous speech he gave upon leaving office.
Washington's image is on the one-dollar bill and the quarter.

Check out our How To Draw George Washington!

2nd President - 9th President Fun Facts

John Adams was the first president to live in the White House, but it wasn't finished when he moved in. He and Thomas Jefferson, both signers of the Declaration of Independence, died on the same day - July 4, 1826.
Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. He is credited with the Louisiana Purchase, doubling the size of the United States.
James Madison was the shortest president at 5 feet 4 inches tall. He was the primary author of the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
James Monroe was the last president who was also a Founding Father. The Monroe Doctrine, issued during James Monroe's presidency, warned European nations against interfering in the Americas. He also died on the 4th of July.

John Quincy Adams skinny-dipped in the Potomac River every morning. He was also the first president to be photographed.
Andrew Jackson was the first president to ride on a train. His pet parrot, named Poll, had to be removed from his funeral for swearing.
Martin Van Buren, the eighth president, was the first president born as a U.S. citizen and the first president to be born in December. He was also the only president who spoke English as a second language.
William Henry Harrison had the shortest presidency, serving only 32 days. His inaugural address, one of the longest, was delivered in bad weather, contributing to his early death.

10th President - 15th President Fun Facts

John Tyler was the first vice president to become president due to a president's death. He had 15 children, the most of any president.
James K. Polk was the first president to have his photograph taken while in office. During his presidency, the United States acquired California and much of the Southwest through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and expanded the U.S. with the Oregon Trail.
Zachary Taylor earned his nickname "Old Rough and Ready" for his casual, un-military appearance. He was the last president to own slaves while in office.

Millard Fillmore installed the first bathtub and first library in the White House. He was the first president to have a stepmother.
Franklin Pierce was arrested during his presidency for running over an old woman with his horse, although the charges were dropped. He had a tragic personal life, losing all three of his children.
James Buchanan was the only president who never married. His niece, Harriet Lane, served as his First Lady.

Facts About Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln was an accomplished wrestler in his youth.
He was the first president to be assassinated.
He was the tallest president at 6 feet 4 inches.
Lincoln is on the penny and the $5 bill.
He delivered the Gettysburg Address during the Civil War.
He signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, declaring all slaves in Confederate-held territory to be free.

17th President - 25th President Fun Facts

Andrew Johnson was a tailor before entering politics. He was the first president to be impeached, though he was not removed from office.
Ulysses S. Grant's real first name was Hiram. He was the first president to receive a speeding ticket for riding his horse too fast. He was a general during the Civil War.
Rutherford B. Hayes and his wife, Lucy, were the first to install a telephone in the White House. He was known as "Rutherfraud" because he won a controversial election by one electoral vote in 1876.
James A. Garfield was ambidextrous and could write in Latin with one hand and Greek with the other at the same time.
Chester A. Arthur was known for his impeccable fashion sense and was often called the "Gentleman Boss." He was a fan of throwing extravagant parties in the White House, earning him the nickname "Prince Arthur."

Grover Cleveland was the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms. He was the first and only president to get married in the White House, marrying Frances Folsom in 1886.
Benjamin Harrison was the first president to have electricity in the White House, but he was afraid of getting electrocuted and never touched the light switches. He was the grandson of President William Henry Harrison, making them the only grandfather-grandson duo to hold the office. He had the first Christmas tree in the White House *officially. Although there were rumors that President Franklin Pierce may have prior.
William McKinley had a pet parrot named Washington Post. He was the first president to ride in an automobile. He was known for carrying a red carnation as a good luck charm. He would often give carnations to friends and supporters.

26th President - 33th President Fun Facts

Theodore Roosevelt was the youngest president, taking office at 42 after McKinley's assassination. He was a prolific author, writing over 30 books, including works on history, nature, and also politics. During a White House reception on New Year's Day in 1907, Teddy Roosevelt achieved a world record by shaking over 8,100 hands in a single day.
William Howard Taft was the heaviest president, weighing over 300 pounds. He became the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court after his presidency.
Woodrow Wilson was the only president to hold a Ph.D. He was a skilled orator and gave more than 2,000 speeches during his presidency.
Warren G. Harding had the first radio installed in the White House. He coined the term "normalcy" instead of "normality" during his campaign.

Calvin Coolidge had a pet raccoon named Rebecca who lived in the White House. He was known for his laconic personality, earning him the nickname "Silent Cal."
Herbert Hoover and his wife spoke Mandarin Chinese, and they would converse in Mandarin to keep their conversations private in the White House. He and his wife, Lou, were the first to have a telephone in the Oval Office.
Franklin D. Roosevelt often referred to as FDR was the only president to serve four terms, the most in history. He lead the country through the Great Depression and World War II. He was also the first president to appear on television.
Harry S. Truman's middle initial "S" doesn't stand for anything. It was a compromise with his parents to honor both of his grandfathers, whose names started with 'S.' He had a sign on his desk that read, "The Buck Stops Here," indicating his responsibility for decision-making. He also dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

34th President - 39th President Fun Facts

Dwight D. Eisenhower was the only president to serve in both World War I and World War II and was a five-star general in World War II. He loved golf and installed a putting green on the White House lawn.
John F. Kennedy was the youngest ELECTED president and the first Catholic. He had several pets, including hamsters, parakeets, and horses, but his most famous pet was a Welsh terrier named Charlie. He won a Pulitzer Prize for his book "Profiles in Courage."
Lyndon B. Johnson had a pet beagle named Him, who became a celebrity after being photographed pulling Johnson's grandchildren in a wagon. He had a habit of giving people "Johnson treatment" by persuading them to agree with him through intense personal persuasion.

Richard Nixon was a skilled musician and played the piano, clarinet, and saxophone. He was the first president to visit China during his historic trip in 1972. He was the first president to resign.
Gerald Ford was a college football star and turned down offers to play in the NFL to attend Yale Law School. He was the first and only president not elected as either president or vice president.
Jimmy Carter was a peanut farmer before becoming president. He won a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts in diplomacy and conflict resolution.

Fun Presidential Facts (40th President - 39th President)

Ronald Reagan was a Hollywood actor before entering politics, starring in over 50 films. He survived an assassination attempt in 1981.
George H.W. Bush was a World War II Navy pilot who was shot down over the Pacific. He was rescued by a U.S. submarine. He and his wife, Barbara, hold the record for the longest presidential marriage in U.S. history.
Bill Clinton played the saxophone on "The Arsenio Hall Show" during his 1992 presidential campaign. He was the first president to appoint a woman, Janet Reno, as the U.S. Attorney General.
George W. Bush was the owner of the Texas Rangers baseball team before becoming governor of Texas and later president. He has a talent for painting and started painting portraits of world leaders after leaving office.
Barack Obama made history by becoming the first African American President of the United States. In 2009, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.
Before becoming president, Donald Trump hosted the reality TV show "The Apprentice." He is known for his distinctive hairstyle, often referred to as the "Trump hair."
During his Senate career, Joe Biden had a passion for trains and commuted via Amtrak from Delaware to Washington, D.C. He is the oldest president elected to office.

Fun Facts About the White House

The White House is not just a home but also the workplace for the President of the United States.
It was built over 200 years ago; moreover, the first President to live there was John Adams.
The White House has 132 rooms, including the famous Oval Office where the President works.
The White House has its own movie theater, bowling alley, and even a basketball court.
There's a vegetable garden on the White House grounds, where the First Family grows fresh fruits and veggies.
The White House is the only private residence of a head of state that is open to the public for tours.
It takes a lot of staff to keep the White House running, from chefs and housekeepers to gardeners and security personnel.
The White House is located in Washington, D.C., which is not part of any state but a federal district.
The official address of the White House is 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.
Many famous events, like the annual Easter Egg Roll, take place on the White House lawn, providing fun for kids and families.

American Flag Facts with Presidents

President George Washington was part of the committee that approved the first American flag design in 1777.
President Woodrow Wilson established June 14 as Flag Day in 1916 to honor the flag's adoption.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower received thousands of ideas for the updated flag with 50 stars after Alaska and Hawaii became states.
President Abraham Lincoln insisted on keeping all the stars on the flag during the Civil War, symbolizing the unity of the states.
The current flag design with 50 stars was adopted on July 4, 1960, during President Dwight D. Eisenhower's administration.