George Washington
Here’s a cool list of interesting and lesser-known facts about George Washington, the “Father of His Country.”
- The Only Unanimously Elected President
Washington is still the only U.S. president to win every single Electoral College vote—not once, but twice (in 1788–1789 and 1792). He carried all participating states both times, setting the two-term precedent later made law by the 22nd Amendment. - Real Estate Magnate and Entrepreneur
At his death, Washington owned over 50,000 acres across multiple states (including what are now Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, D.C., and Kentucky). He was deeply involved in land development and even headed the Patowmack Company to build canals linking the Ohio Valley to the Atlantic. Later in life, he ran one of America’s largest whiskey distilleries at Mount Vernon, producing nearly 11,000 gallons a year by 1799. - Personally Led Troops as President
In 1794, Washington organized and personally led a militia force to suppress the Whiskey Rebellion in western Pennsylvania—the only time a sitting U.S. president has taken the field in a military capacity. The rebels dispersed without major fighting, but his hands-on leadership showed his commitment to federal authority. - His Only Trip Abroad
Washington never left the American mainland except for one journey: In 1751, at age 19, he traveled to Barbados with his half-brother Lawrence (who had tuberculosis) hoping the warmer climate would help. Washington contracted smallpox there, which gave him immunity but may have contributed to his inability to have children. - Mostly Self-Educated
His formal schooling ended around age 15 after his father’s death left the family with limited funds. Washington never attended college (unlike many Founding Fathers), but he was a lifelong learner—reading extensively on farming, military tactics, and more to excel as a surveyor, soldier, planter, and leader. - Fearless in Battle and Survived Close Calls
During the French and Indian War (e.g., at the Battle of the Monongahela in 1755), Washington had bullets pass through his coat and horses shot out from under him multiple times, yet he emerged unscathed. He was known for riding fearlessly amid chaos to rally troops. - Athletic and a Great Dancer
At 6’2″–6’3″ tall (very tall for the era), Washington was incredibly athletic—excelling in horsemanship, sports, and especially dancing. He loved ballroom dancing, often partnering with women (with Martha’s approval), and was considered one of the best dancers of his time. - Loved Ice Cream and Had Unique Pets
Washington was a big fan of ice cream—he even owned a special “cream machine” for making it at Mount Vernon. He also adored dogs, owning many foxhounds with affectionate names like Sweet Lips, Tipsy, Venus, and True Love. He was even America’s first major mule breeder. - Myth-Busting: No Wooden Teeth
Contrary to legend, his false teeth weren’t made of wood—they were crafted from materials like gold, ivory, lead, animal teeth, and even human teeth (some purchased from enslaved people). The discomfort from them affected his speech and smile. - Established a Spy Ring
During the Revolutionary War, Washington ran the Culper Spy Ring, a sophisticated intelligence network using codes, invisible ink, and aliases to gather crucial info on British forces—helping turn the tide in key moments.
These highlight how Washington was far more than just a stoic figure on the dollar bill—he was a self-made, adventurous, multifaceted man whose actions shaped the nation. Happy Presidents’ Day (or Washington’s Birthday)!
Abraham Lincoln
Here’s a cool list of interesting and lesser-known facts about Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Presidents’ Day (officially Washington’s Birthday) also honors Lincoln in popular tradition, as his birthday is February 12—close to Washington’s February 22.
- The Tallest President Ever
At 6 feet 4 inches tall (with size 14 shoes—the largest on record for a president), Lincoln towered over most people of his era. His height gave him a commanding presence and helped in physical feats like wrestling. - Only President to Hold a Patent
Lincoln was an inventor! In 1849, he received Patent No. 6,469 for a device with inflatable buoyant chambers to lift boats over shallow river obstructions— inspired by his riverboat experiences. He’s still the only U.S. president with a patent. - Accomplished Wrestler in the Hall of Fame
As a young man, Lincoln was a dominant wrestler, losing only once in about 300 matches. His long limbs and strength made him unbeatable; he even trash-talked opponents, once declaring himself “the big buck of this lick” with no challengers stepping up. He’s honored in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as an “Outstanding American.” - Stovepipe Hat as a Filing Cabinet
Lincoln famously stored important papers, notes, bills, and letters inside his tall stovepipe hat. It wasn’t just fashion—it was his portable filing system! - Animal Lover with White House Pets
Lincoln adored animals. At the White House, he kept goats (Nanny and Nanko—his sons Tad and Willie played with them, and Nanny even slept in Tad’s bed), a cat named Tabby (who ate at the dinner table), a dog named Fido, and even a pet turkey. He once pardoned the turkey meant for Thanksgiving dinner because his son had befriended it. - Licensed Bartender Before Politics
In his early 20s, Lincoln ran a general store and obtained a liquor license, making him a licensed bartender. He later joked about it, but he was known to be temperate and rarely drank. - First Bearded President (Thanks to a Girl’s Advice)
Lincoln entered politics clean-shaven but grew his iconic beard after an 11-year-old girl, Grace Bedell, wrote him a letter suggesting it would improve his looks and help him win the election. He took her advice! - Near-Miss with His Assassin’s Brother
In a bizarre twist of fate, Lincoln’s son Robert Todd Lincoln was once saved from falling under a moving train by Edwin Booth—the brother of John Wilkes Booth, who would later assassinate Lincoln. Robert was present or nearby at three presidential assassinations (his father’s, Garfield’s, and McKinley’s). - Self-Taught and Mostly Uneducated
Like Washington, Lincoln had very little formal schooling (less than a year total). He was largely self-educated, borrowing books and reading voraciously by firelight to become a brilliant lawyer, orator, and writer. - Established Thanksgiving as a National Holiday
In 1863, amid the Civil War, Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November as a national day of Thanksgiving—making it an official holiday for the first time, partly to foster unity.
These show Lincoln as a rugged, inventive, humorous, and deeply human figure—far beyond the solemn portraits and monuments. He rose from a log cabin to lead through the nation’s darkest hour, preserving the Union and advancing freedom. If you’d like more on any fact (or visuals of things like his patent model or wrestling days), just say the word! Happy Presidents’ Day!