10 Things You Might Not Know About The Presidents

The U.S. presidency has been filled with serious moments and monumental decisions—but it's also full of quirky, fascinating, and downright strange facts about those who held the office. From exotic pets to unusual talents, here’s a look at some of the most bizarre tidbits about U.S. presidents that you probably didn’t know.

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1. George Washington’s Dentures: No Wood, Just… Human Teeth?

Contrary to the popular myth, George Washington's dentures weren’t made of wood. Instead, his false teeth were fashioned from ivory, metals like gold and lead, and even human teeth. The dentures were so uncomfortable that they changed the shape of his face, lending him the often stern, tight-lipped expression you see in his portraits. The use of human teeth was a common practice in the 18th century, but it still feels like something out of a horror story today.

2. John Quincy Adams’ Bathroom Alligator

John Quincy Adams had a pet alligator—yes, an alligator—in the White House. Gifted by French general Marquis de Lafayette, Adams reportedly kept the creature in a bathroom and delighted in showing it off as a prank on unsuspecting visitors. It's safe to say he added a whole new level of "stranger danger" to White House tours.

3. Abraham Lincoln: Hall of Fame Wrestler

Long before becoming president, Abraham Lincoln had a reputation as a skilled wrestler. He reportedly took part in over 300 matches and lost only one. In fact, his wrestling skills earned him a spot in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Imagine "Honest Abe" grappling in the ring; his impressive physical strength only adds to his already legendary status.

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4. Theodore Roosevelt, the Martial Arts Master

Theodore Roosevelt was not just a rugged outdoorsman; he was also a martial arts enthusiast. Roosevelt practiced judo and even achieved the rank of brown belt—the first American president to do so. His interest in physical fitness went beyond simple exercise; he was also a boxing fan and frequently sparred in the White House until an injury cost him vision in one eye.

5. Calvin Coolidge’s Pet Raccoon

Calvin Coolidge took presidential pets to a new level with his raccoon, Rebecca. Originally intended to be served as Thanksgiving dinner, the raccoon ended up as a cherished pet, often seen being walked on a leash around the White House grounds. Coolidge loved animals and had a veritable menagerie, but the raccoon story remains the quirkiest.

6. FDR’s Disability: A Public Secret

Although Franklin D. Roosevelt's paralysis from polio was largely hidden from the public, he managed to lead the nation through the Great Depression and World War II. His disability was an open secret among those close to him, and only a few photos exist of him in his wheelchair. Roosevelt’s resilience was a testament to his strength, but he was also a master at controlling public perception, a feat that seems almost impossible in the age of social media.

7. JFK’s Pulitzer Prize for Profiles in Courage

John F. Kennedy is the only president to have won a Pulitzer Prize, which he received in 1957 for his book Profiles in Courage. Although much of the writing was reportedly done by his speechwriter Ted Sorensen, JFK was credited with the award. This makes him the only Pulitzer-winning president, a unique literary feather in his cap.

8. Herbert Hoover’s Secret Language

When Herbert Hoover wanted to communicate privately with his wife, Lou, he spoke Mandarin Chinese. The couple learned the language while living in China, and they reportedly used it to avoid eavesdropping in the White House. Imagine overhearing the president speaking fluent Mandarin in 1929—it’s not the image most people have of the reserved Hoover.

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9. Jimmy Carter’s UFO Sighting

Not only was Jimmy Carter a peanut farmer—he also claimed to have spotted a UFO! In 1969, he and others reported seeing an unidentified object in the sky over Georgia, which he described as bright and changing colors. Although Carter thought it was likely a military craft, he promised during his presidential campaign to increase government transparency on UFOs. However, once in office, he kept the files classified, citing national security concerns. Even so, Carter will forever be the only president with a UFO sighting on his résumé.

10. Barack Obama’s Comic Book Collection

President Barack Obama has always been open about his love for comic books, especially Spider-Man and Conan the Barbarian. In fact, Obama’s comic fandom became a pop-culture talking point when The Amazing Spider-Man featured him on a cover. While he didn’t run for office to battle supervillains, his collection underscores the fact that he was one of the most relatable presidents, with hobbies many fans could identify with.

Presidents are often idolized or scrutinized, but these quirky facts remind us that they are, after all, human. From unconventional pets to hidden talents, these anecdotes offer a lighthearted glimpse into the personalities behind some of the most powerful figures in history. Next time you think of U.S. presidents as all business, remember John Quincy Adams’ bathroom alligator or Coolidge’s pet raccoon and smile—there's always more to these leaders than meets the eye.