PRESIDENTS

"You, there! Have you been vaccinated?" George Washington looks to be saying in this portrait.

One Vaccination, Under God: When George Washington Kept a Smallpox Epidemic From Costing Him the American Revolution

Smallpox vaccination was banned in America during the Revolutionary War, but George Washington was determined to protect his army no matter what.

History Vs. Bonus Episode: Theodore Roosevelt and the Round-Robin Letter Incident

Theodore Roosevelt has been in the news lately, thanks to a ship with a cargo of coronavirus and a leaked letter to the navy. But more than 100 years ago, TR—that ship's namesake—engaged in a controversial letter-writing campaign of his own, one that ince

History Vs. Bonus Episode: The Case of the Missing Colt .38

In 1990, Theodore Roosevelt's double-action revolver—the one he'd used during the Battle of San Juan Heights—was stolen from Sagamore Hill National Historic Site. It wouldn't come back to the museum for another 16 years.

Gracie Allen laughed her way to a presidential run in 1940.

How Gracie Allen and the Surprise Party Got 1940s America Excited to Vote

Although the stunt was obviously a joke, “Vote for Gracie” buttons popped up around the U.S. Harvard students pledged their support for Allen’s campaign.

The 17th-century Samuel de Champlain map of New France was stolen from the Boston Public Library.

18 Surprising Things Stolen From Libraries

From swords and skeletons to chairs and coins, here’s a roundup of the most unusual items thieves have stolen from libraries.

18 Surprising Things Stolen From Libraries

From swords and skeletons to chairs and coins, here’s a roundup of the most unusual items thieves have stolen from libraries.

Bill Clinton

From his many accomplishments, to his infamous impeachment, learn more about the life and presidency of Bill Clinton.

History Vs. Podcast Bonus Episode: Theodore Roosevelt vs. Bigfoot

In his 1893 book The Wilderness Hunter, TR wrote about what he called "a goblin story that really impressed" him. Mental Floss Science Editor Kat Long joins Erin to discuss "The Bauman Incident." Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.co

An illustration of Abraham Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg Address from 1905.

8 Momentous Facts About Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address

Much longer than four score and seven years ago, Abraham Lincoln delivered the most famous two-minute speech in history.

Washington and Lincoln share Mount Rushmore, but not President's Day.

Sorry, Lincoln: Presidents Day Is for George Washington Only

Presidents Day not only has nothing to do with Abraham Lincoln, it doesn't even legally exist. An explainer.

History Vs. Bonus Episode: Epilogue - The Other Roosevelts

Between all of his writing, ranching, and governing, Theodore Roosevelt made time to maintain close relationships with his many family members—all of whom led vibrant, adventurous lives of their own, and also helped establish TR’s legacy. From sister Bami

The Sappy, Poignant, and Risqué Love Letters of 7 World Leaders

Richard Nixon was a romantic, Napoleon was a clinger, and Warren Harding turned out to be a smut peddler. Check out some of the fascinating love letters of seven world leaders.

Why the Iowa Caucus Comes First

The Iowa caucus doesn’t always predict the presidential nominee, but it’s been an important part of the process since the 1970s.

How Much Damage Does Marine One Cause to the White House Lawn When It Lands?

You might be surprised to learn that a few bent blades of grass are about the only damage that occurs when Marine One takes off and lands at the White House. But your ego could get bruised if you don't hold onto your hat—or any other garment that could go

When Theodore Roosevelt Refused Geronimo's Plea

The Apache leader Geronimo had just one request of President Theodore Roosevelt when they met in 1905, but it was a big one.

History Vs. Episode 11: History Vs. Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt was a man who never stopped fighting. He grappled with his own physical deficiencies, railed against corruption, and always fought to move the nation forward in the way he thought best. One-hundred-and-one years after his death, where c

History Vs. Episode 10: Theodore Roosevelt Vs. Death

At age 55, Theodore Roosevelt embarked on an Amazonian jungle trek along the River of Doubt, where he very nearly lost his life. It was, in many ways, the icing on the cake of a life brimming with near-death experiences. He had close encounters with wild

John Adams: Hulton Archive/Stringer/Getty Images. Thomas Jefferson: Print Collector/Getty Images

When John Adams and Thomas Jefferson Stole a Piece of Shakespeare's Chair

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson chipped off a piece of wood from Shakespeare's chair in the 18th century—but only because everyone else was doing it.

How Teddy Roosevelt Became a G.I. Joe Action Figure

When you look back at the colorful life of the frontiersman-turned-solider-turned-president, maybe it isn’t a stretch to put Teddy Roosevelt alongside Duke, Hawk, and the rest of the G.I. Joes.

History Vs. Bonus Episode: Theodore Roosevelt Vs. Christmas Trees

Theodore Roosevelt loved Christmas, but the Roosevelt family never had a Christmas tree. If you believe the stories, it's because TR, an avid conservationist, had banned them—and that ban is supposedly what led his son, Archie, to sneak a tree into the Wh

21 of Theodore Roosevelt’s Most Memorable Pets

When Theodore Roosevelt moved into the White House in 1901, he brought with him his wife, his six children, and one of the widest (and wildest) menageries Washington, D.C. has ever seen.

7 Animals Named After Theodore Roosevelt

From big cats to tiny fish, the collection of animals named for Theodore Roosevelt is eclectic—just like our adventurous 26th president.

History Vs. Episode 9: Theodore Roosevelt Vs. The World

Theodore Roosevelt was the first American to win a Nobel Prize, which he clinched in part for brokering peace between Japan and Russia in the Russo-Japanese War. During his presidency, he also paved the way for the construction of the Panama Canal. He got

George Varian, Ladies Home Journal // Public Domain, Courtesy of HathiTrust

When Theodore Roosevelt’s Son Snuck a Christmas Tree into the White House

President Theodore Roosevelt was well-known as a conservationist, but that wasn't necessarily the reason there was no White House Christmas tree in 1902.

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