PRESIDENTS

7 Facts About Elaine Quijano, VP Debate Moderator

The moderator of the vice-presidential debate once prompted President Obama to rethink military policy.

10 Famous Birthdays to Celebrate in October

If you were born in October, you might share a birthday with one of your favorite historical figures—including six U.S. presidents.

Courtesy of Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library & Museum, Forbes Library, Northampton, MA

Show & Tell: Calvin Coolidge’s Electric Exercise Horse

"Silent Cal" rode it three times a day for fitness—and fun.

A Book Made From “Washington’s Tree”

George Washington definitely had a thing for trees—or at least his legend did.

Here's Your Chance to Own a Piece of Reagan-Era History

Christie's is auctioning off over 700 items from the Reagans' personal collection later this month.

Up for Auction: A Piece of the Berlin Wall, Signed by Ronald Reagan

The historic object is expected to fetch anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000.

That George Washington Portrait Saved by Dolley Madison Was Just a Copy

If you’re envisioning Dolley tearing the famous Gilbert Stuart portrait down as the Red Coats closed in and the curtains burned, well, that’s not quite what happened.

8 Milestone Presidential Campaign Ads

These presidential campaign ads are proof that sometimes all you need is 30 seconds to change the course of an election.

Before He Became President, Abraham Lincoln Was a Wrestling Champion

In the years before he became a politician, Abraham Lincoln was one of the most feared wrestlers in Illinois.

The Story Behind Warren G. Harding's Mysterious Death

By the end of the summer of 1923, Harding would end up dead and his wife's reputation under attack.

John and Abigail Adams Ring, American, 1812. Gold, pearls, crystal, gold foil, hair. Collection of the Massachusetts Historical Society

Hair Jewelry Celebrating a Presidential Friendship

In the early 1800s, John and Abigail Adams patched up a friendship with hair jewelry.

Philadelphia Museum Displays Snippets of Presidential Hair

Visitors can view the tresses of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and more.

Could a Former President Ever Become Vice President?

It all comes down to how you like your Constitution: literal, or liberally intepreted.

8 Surprising Places That Were Once U.S. Capitals

The Founding Fathers spent a lot of time moving to safer locations.

When Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford Considered a Co-Presidency in 1980

One of the most fascinating "What if?" scenarios in U.S. political history occurred during the 1980 presidential election, when Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford considered a co-presidency.

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.

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