The Hidden Talents of U.S. Presidents

Do you know what the US Presidents did in their spare time? Read on to discover.

George Washington was a dancer

Before he became the USA’s first president, Mr. Washington danced the night away at countless parties and balls, often with a new leading lady on his arm.

Thomas Jefferson was an architect

President Jefferson wasn’t just a founding father; he was also the “father of national architecture.” He contributed to plans for the first government buildings in Washington, D.C., designed the University of Virginia, and oversaw construction of Monticello, his 5,000-acre plantation in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Andrew Jackson was a master of duels

The war vet was a gunslinger even off the battlefield. He’s said to have fought up to 100 duels in his lifetime and was shot multiple times. In 1806, the future president killed Charles Dickinson in a duel after he cheated on a horse bet and insulted Jackson’s wife.

John Tyler was a musician

Being the 10th president of the United States wasn’t his first career choice. Tyler originally studied to become a concert violinist before switching to law and eventually the presidency, where he is said to have played violin at many White House parties.

James K. Polk was a lover of brandy

President Polk was a sickly child, but he earned his tough-guy chops when, at the age of 17, he had urinary stones removed (while wide awake!), with brandy as his anesthetic of choice.

Franklin Pierce had a supercharged memory

Pierce was the first president to recite his inaugural address from memory. He gave his entire 3,319-word speech without a single notecard.

Abraham Lincoln was a bartender

Long before he wrote the Emancipation Proclamation, President Lincoln co-owned a tavern in Illinois. But his booze business was short-lived when the store fell into debt; Lincoln soon abandoned the pint glasses for law books.

James Garfield was ambidextrous and multilingual

As if being a lefty wasn’t neat enough, Garfield could write with both hands at once—Greek in one hand and Latin in the other.

Chester A. Arthur had expensive taste

Known as the “Gentleman Boss,” Arthur had elegant taste and an appetite for the finer things. But his passion ran up a big bill: he regularly hosted lavish, 12-course feasts at the White House, owned more than 80 custom-made suits, and took an ornate horse-drawn carriage to all of his social engagements.

Jimmy Carter was a speed-reader

If reading were an Olympic sport, this president could be a national contender. After enrolling in a speed-reading course with his wife, Carter could read 2,000 words per minute with a 95 percent comprehension rate.

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