From quirky habits to historic milestones, US presidents have often made headlines for being the first to do something unexpected. While most Americans know who was first elected or who lived in the White House, some presidential firsts are surprisingly little-known. Let’s explore these moments to reveal the human side of our leaders.
Adams Lived in the White House First
President John Adams was the first to reside in the White House, moving in during November 1800. At the time, it was still under construction. Though George Washington oversaw its design, he never actually lived there. Adams’s occupancy began a long-standing tradition, linking the presidency to this iconic symbol of America.
Van Buren Was the First U.S.-Born President
Martin Van Buren holds the distinction of being the first president born after the Declaration of Independence. Born in 1782 in Kinderhook, New York, Van Buren was the first to be considered a natural, born citizen of the United States. All of his predecessors had been born during British reign, before the revolution.
Adams Was First to Be Photographed
The sixth president, John Quincy Adams, was the first to be captured in a photograph. Though photography was still in its infancy, a daguerreotype of Adams was taken in the 1840s, years after he left office. James K. Polk went on to be the first sitting president to be photographed. These images mark a unique intersection of early photography and political history.
Pierce First to Not Get Reelection Nomination
Franklin Pierce holds a dubious record—he was the first elected president denied his party’s nomination for a second term. Despite being a sitting president, his unpopularity during the turbulent pre-Civil War years led to the Democratic Party nominating James Buchanan instead for the 1856 election. Buchanan went on to defeat Republican nominee John C. Fremont in the election.
Lincoln First to Be Born Outside of Original Colonies
Abraham Lincoln was the first president born outside the original 13 colonies. It’s the stuff of legends at this point. He was born in a log cabin in Kentucky in 1809. These humble beginnings and frontier upbringing set a new narrative for presidential identity and helped forge his enduring legacy as a man of the people.
Hayes First to Host Easter Egg Roll
In 1878, President Rutherford B. Hayes began a beloved White House tradition we still enjoy today—the annual Easter egg roll on the south lawn. After Congress banned the event from Capitol grounds, Hayes charitably opened the White House lawn to children and families to create an iconic, cherished national event.
Garfield Was the First Lefty
James A Garfield is recognized as the first left-handed United States president. He was a talented, academic, and ambidextrous writer. Garfield could reportedly write Latin with one hand in Greek with the other at the same time. Though his presidency was short-lived, this quirky fact makes him stand out in history.
Grant First to Be Arrested
Ulysses S. Grant was the first and only U.S. president to be arrested while in office. In 1872, he was stopped by a Washington, D.C. police officer for speeding in his horse-drawn carriage. Grant paid a $20 bond and didn’t contest the charges, showing even presidents aren’t above the law.
Harrison Attended a MLB Game First
Baseball is one of the most enduring American traditions. President Benjamin Harrison was the first to attend a Major League Baseball game while in office. In 1892, he watched a game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Senators. His attendance helped spark a long-standing connection between the presidency and America’s favorite pastime.
Taft Owned a Car First
William Howard Taft was the first president to own and use an automobile during his administration. He had the White House stables converted into a garage and embraced the convenience of modern automobiles. Taft’s use of a car symbolizes the changing pace and technology of early 20th century America, launching us into a new era.
Wilson First to Visit Europe During His Term
Woodrow Wilson was the very first sitting U.S. president to travel to Europe while in office. He crossed the Atlantic in 1918 to attend the Paris Peace Conference after World War I. His diplomatic trip marked a new era of presidential involvement in international affairs and diplomacy. It’s common for today’s presidents to make such trips now.
Coolidge First to be Born on July 4th
Calvin Coolidge holds the unique honor of being the first and only U.S. president born on Independence Day. He’s the only president to share a birthday with the nation. Born on July 4, 1872, in Plymouth Notch, Vermont, his patriotic birthday adds a layer of symbolism to his legacy, reinforcing his image as a traditional and reserved statesman.
Truman Got the First Secret Service Code Name
Harry Truman was the first president to receive a Secret Service code name. As threats against the United States president increased, the need for secure communications grew. Truman’s codename, “General,” began the modern practice of assigning such names for all high-profile protectees. For example, JFK was “Lancer” and Obama was “Renegade.”
Johnson First to Get Sworn in by a Woman
Lyndon B. Johnson was the first and only president to be sworn in by a woman. Following President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, federal judge Sarah T. Hughes administered the oath of office aboard Air Force One, marking a poignant and historic moment in U.S. presidential history. Perhaps soon we’ll see another president sworn in by a woman.
Jimmy Carter Was the First to Live to 100
Jimmy Carter was born on October 1, 1924 and passed on December 29, 2024. He is the first president to live to 100 years old. Known for his political success and post-presidency humanitarian work, Carter’s longevity is a testament to his enduring presence and impact on America as well as global life.
