All people have their quirks and strange habits, some are funny and some are borderline scary strange. Here are some very interesting and bizarre facts about American Presidents I am sure you never learned in High School. Had they taught these interesting tidbits from history you might have paid more attention to politics.
And take note, all Presidents and Presidential Candidates have myths, skeletons and things they want to forget in their past.
- The first President of the American colonies was not George Washington. Really! It was John Hanson a Constitutional Congress Representative from Maryland, who was the third President of the US Constitutional Congress from 1781-1782. But was the first representative to serve a full 1 year term and be called President of the United States in Congress Assembled. He also approved and authorized the Great Seal of the United States.
- U.S. Grant, while President was issued a speeding ticket for $20 for riding his horse too fast down a Washington street. He was also the first President to run against a woman candidate, Virginia Woodhull the nominee of the "Equal Rights Party" in 1872.
- James Garfield could perform a very unique parlor feat that entertained many. He could write in Latin with one hand, while writing in Greek with the other hand at the same time.
- Clinton and George W. Bush were not the only draft dodgers of war, Grover Cleveland, was accused by his Presidential Election opposing candidate of being one also, because he paid a man $150 to take his place [which was allowed under the Conscription Act of 1863].
- Thomas Jefferson was an avid inventor who is credited with inventing the coat hanger… hideaway bed….and dumbwaiter.
- Herbert Hoover's son had 2 pet alligators. He was also the first President to have a telephone in the White House.
- Jimmy Carter was the first President born in a hospital.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the USA, is said to be related to 11 other Presidents.
- James Madison barely weighed 100 pounds.
- Warren Harding played poker at least twice a week and once put an entire set of White House china up to stake his hand and he lost the hand and they china.
Weird bunch of quirks, don't you think? These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to US Presidential strange and bizarre factoids.
