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George Washington
From: Westmoreland County, VA
Education: Elementary and limited secondary, no college education
Commanding General of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War
Previous Offices: None before presidency
Family: Married to Martha Washington
Post-Presidency: Returned to Mount Vernon, Virginia, and remained active in public life until his death. Set many precedents during his presidency. -
First naturalization law (George Washington)
Congress passes the United States' first naturalization law, establishing terms of citizenship. -
Revolutionary War Debts (George Washington)
George Washington signs a bill into law that directed the federal government to assume the Revolutionary War debts of the states. -
Creating a National Bank (George Washington)
Washington signs the bill on February 25, 1791, to create an official bank of the United States. -
Warships (George Washington)
Congress responds to British aggression by authorizing the production of six warships. The Washington administration supported both measures. -
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John Adams
From: Braintree, Massachusetts
Education: Graduated from Harvard College
No military service
Previous Offices: Vice President under Washington
Family: Married to Abigail Adams
Post-Presidency: Retired to his farm in Quincy, Massachusetts, and remained active in public affairs. His son, John Quincy Adams, later became president. -
Negotiating with France (John Adams)
Adams appoints a three man commission, composed of Charles C. Pinckney, Elbridge Gerry, and John Marshall, to negotiate a settlement with France. -
The 11th Amendment (John Addams)
It stipulates that federal courts shall not have the jurisdiction over litigation between individuals from one state against individuals from another state. -
Passing the Alien Act (John Adams)
Congress passes the Alien Act, granting President Adams the power to deport any alien he deemed potentially dangerous to the country's safety. -
Washington Appointed Commander in Chief (John Adams)
Adams appoints George Washington to serve as commander in chief of the United States Army. -
Sedition Act (John Adams)
The bill subjects any American citizen to a fine and/or imprisonment for obstructing the implementation of federal law, or for publishing malicious or false writings against Congress, the President, or the government. -
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Thomas Jefferson
From: Virginia
Education:: Graduated from the College of William and Mary
Military Service: No active military service, but served as Governor of Virginia during the Revolutionary War.
Previously served as Vice President under John Adams.
Married to Martha Jefferson (died before his presidency), had six children.
Jefferson is best known for writing the Declaration of Independence. His presidency oversaw the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition, among other significant events. -
Jefferson Addresses Congress (Thomas Jefferson)
President Jefferson delivers his first address to the newly convened seventh Congress of the United States in writing and is read aloud by the House clerk. Expressing his dislike for ceremony, Jefferson establishes the precedent, not broken until the presidency of Woodrow Wilson, of not delivering the State of the Union address in person. -
Enabling Act (Thomas Jefferson)
President Jefferson signs the Enabling Act, establishing procedures under which territories organized under the Ordinance of 1787 can become a state. -
Louisiana Purchase (Thomas Jefferson)
On April 30, 1803, representatives from the United States and France signed the Louisiana Purchase Treaty. The terms of the agreement gave all of the Louisiana territory from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains to the United States. The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States -
The 12th Amendment (Thomas Jefferson)
Congress passes the Twelfth Amendment to the Constitution, requiring electors to vote for President and vice president separately. -
Raising the American Flag (Thomas Jefferson)
The French flag is lowered in New Orleans and the U.S. flag raised, symbolizing the transfer of the Louisiana territory from France to the United States. -
Treaty of Peace and Amity in Tripoli (Thomas Jefferson)
The United States and Tripoli sign a Treaty of Peace and Amity in Tripoli, effectively ending the Tripolitan War. -
Building a National Road (Thomas Jefferson)
Congress authorizes a commission to build a national road from Cumberland, Maryland, to the Ohio River. -
Prohibiting British Imports (Thomas Jefferson)
In protest against the seizure of American ships and the impressment of American sailors by Britain, Congress passes a law prohibiting the importation of many British products into the United States. -
Importation of slaves prohibited (Thomas Jefferson)
At Jefferson's behest, Congress passes a law prohibiting the importation of slaves into any place within the jurisdiction of the United States after January 1, 1808. -
The Embargo Act (Thomas Jefferson)
The Embargo Act, modified and authorized by President Jefferson, now permits vessels to transport American goods from foreign ports. -
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James Madison
From: Virginia
Education: Graduated from the College of New Jersey
Military Service: No active military service, but he played a significant role in politics during the War of Independence.
Previously served as Secretary of State under President Thomas Jefferson.
Married to Dolley Madison, Madison had no biological children.
Madison is often referred to as the "Father of the Constitution" for his role in drafting the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights. -
Secretary of Treasury (James Madison)
Madison persuades Albert Gallatin to remain secretary of treasury in the face of strong congressional opposition and discord within Madison's cabinet. -
Trade Wars (James Madison)
Under the terms of Macon's Bill Number 2, Madison accepts a French offer to stop confiscation of American supplies and ships. In February 1811, he declares a halt in trade with Britain unless the Orders are repealed. Undeterred, Britain vows to continue to seize American ships until France ends its trade restrictions. -
Presidential Vetoes (James Madison)
Madison vetoes two bills of Congress, one granting land in the Mississippi Territory to a Baptist congregation and the other incorporating an Episcopal church in Washington, D.C. Madison argues that both bills violate the non-establishment clause of the First Amendment. -
Bank of the United States (James Madison)
The Bank of the United States closes. -
France sinks U.S. ships (James Madison)
News arrives that France has sunk American ships carrying flour to British troops in Spain, leading many in Congress to call for war against France. The incident is seen by many as “proof” that France has not repealed edicts against American neutral commerce. -
British burn Washington (James Madison)
British forces attack and burn Washington, D.C., setting the White House, the Capitol, and other federal buildings on fire. The United States was ultimately victorious in the War of 1812, and the Treaty of Ghent was signed by both countries in December 1814. Washington, D.C., was gradually rebuilt. It took three years to rebuild the White House -
Bank Bill Voted (James Madison)
The House of Representatives passes an amended bank bill as a compromise between Federalists and anti-bank Republicans. The bill is nevertheless unsatisfactory to Madison and Secretary of the Treasury Dallas. Madison vetoes the bank bill on January 30. -
Convention with Britain (James Madison)
Gallatin negotiates a commercial convention with Britain, further signifying the potential for the United States to play an important role in international trade and industrialization. -
Madison's 7th message to Congress (James Madison)
Madison presents his seventh annual message to Congress, advocating military streamlining, a new national bank, protective tariffs to promote industry, and internal improvements. -
Re-chartering a national bank (James Madison)
Madison signs a bill re-chartering a new national bank in Philadelphia. The charter is set for a twenty-one year term. -
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James Monroe
From: Monroe Hall, Virginia, United States
Education: Attended College of William and Mary
Military service: Revolutionary War officer
Previous offices: Governor of Virginia, Minister to France and UK, Secretary of State, Secretary of War
Family members: Married to Elizabeth Kortright Monroe
Important contributions: Authored the Monroe Doctrine, acquired Florida, negotiated treaties with Native American tribes. -
Military Establishment Act (James Monroe)
Monroe signs the Military Establishment Act, forwarded by Secretary of War Calhoun, to reduce the Army's manpower by 40 percent to 6,126 men. The move reflects a shift in national priorities toward commerce and negotiation, and away from intimidation, as the primary tool of foreign policy. -
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John Quincy Adams
From: Massachusetts
Education: Harvard University graduate
No military service
Former Secretary of State under President James Monroe
Married to Louisa Adams, had four children
Notable for being the first son of a former President to also become President. His presidency faced domestic and foreign challenges. After his presidency, he served in the House of Representatives and became known for his anti-slavery activism, notably arguing the Amistad case before the Supreme Court. -
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Andrew Jackson
Birthplace: Waxhaws region, North and South Carolina border, United States
Education: Mostly self-educated
Military service: Revolutionary War courier, War of 1812 general
Previous offices: U.S. Representative, Senator for Tennessee, Military Governor of Florida
Family members: Married to Rachel Donelson Jackson
Important contributions: Won the Battle of New Orleans, expanded suffrage, enforced Native American removal policies. -
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Martin Van Buren
Birthplace: Kinderhook, New York, United States
Education: Studied law, no formal education
Military service: None
Previous offices: Governor of New York, U.S. Senator for New York, Secretary of State, Vice President under Andrew Jackson
Family members: Married to Hannah Hoes Van Buren
Important contributions: Shaped Democratic Party, implemented policies to address economic issues, oversaw the forced relocation of Native American tribes, and supported the annexation of Texas. -
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William Henry Harrison
Birthplace: Charles City County, Virginia, United States
Education: Attended Hampden-Sydney College
Military service: Served as an officer in the U.S. Army, during the Northwest Indian War and the War of 1812
Previous offices: Governor of the Indiana Territory, U.S. Representative for Ohio, Senator for Ohio, Minister to Colombia
Family members: Married to Anna Tuthill Symmes Harrison
Important contributions: His military leadership in battles against Native American tribes and the British. -
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John Tyler
Birthplace: Charles City County, Virginia, United States
Education: College of William and Mary graduate
Military service: None
Previous offices: Governor of Virginia, U.S. Representative and Senator for Virginia, Vice President under William Henry Harrison
Family members: Married Letitia Christian Tyler, then Julia Gardiner Tyler.
Important contributions: Became president after Harrison's death, annexed Texas, faced party conflicts, and dealt with federal-state power struggles. -
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James K. Polk
Birthplace: Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, United States
Education: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduate
Military service: None
Previous offices: U.S. Representative, Speaker of the House, Governor of Tennessee
Family members: Married to Sarah Childress Polk
Important contributions: Oversaw significant territorial expansion through the annexation of Texas, negotiation of the Oregon Treaty, and the Mexican-American War. Promised and served only one term as president. -
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Zachary Taylor
Birthplace: Barboursville, Virginia, United States
Education: Limited formal education
Military service: Extensive military career, serving in the U.S. Army for over 40 years.
Previous offices: No previous political offices held
Family members: Married to Margaret Mackall Smith Taylor
Important contributions: Known as a military hero, Taylor rose to prominence during the Mexican-American War and was elected as the 12th President of the United States. -
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Millard Fillmore
Birthplace: Locke, New York, United States
Education: Mostly self-educated, apprenticed to a cloth maker
Military service: None
Previous offices: U.S. Representative, Comptroller of New York, Vice President under Zachary Taylor
Family members: Married to Abigail Powers Fillmore
Important contributions: Became president after Taylor's death, signed the Compromise of 1850 to ease sectional tensions over slavery, and initiated trade with Japan through the Treaty of Kanagawa. -
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Franklin Pierce
Birthplace: Hillsborough, New Hampshire, United States
Education: Bowdoin College graduate
Military service: Mexican-American War officer
Previous offices: U.S. Representative, Senator for New Hampshire
Family members: Married to Jane Means Appleton Pierce
Important contributions: Supported the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which heightened tensions over slavery. Oversaw the Gadsden Purchase for railroad construction. -
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James Buchanan
Birthplace: Cove Gap, Pennsylvania, United States
Education: Dickinson College graduate
Military service: None
Previous offices: U.S. Representative, Senator for Pennsylvania, Secretary of State, Minister to the United Kingdom
Family members: Never married
Important contributions: Presidency marked by escalating tensions over slavery, ultimately leading to the Civil War. Criticized for handling of crisis and failure to prevent Southern secession. -
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Abraham Lincoln
From: Hardin County, Kentucky
Education: Largely self-educated, briefly attended formal schooling
Military Service: None prior to presidency; served as Commander-in-Chief during the Civil War
Previous Offices: Illinois State Legislature, U.S. House of Representatives
Family: Married to Mary Todd Lincoln
Post-Presidency: Assassinated shortly after leaving office. His legacy includes preserving the Union and issuing the Emancipation Proclamation. -
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Andrew Johnson
Birthplace: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
Education: Self-educated, apprenticed as a tailor
Military service: None
Previous offices: U.S. Representative, Governor, and Senator for Tennessee, Vice President under Abraham Lincoln
Family members: Married to Eliza McCardle Johnson
Important contributions: Became president after Lincoln's assassination, clashed with Radical Republicans, and was impeached by the House but acquitted by the Senate, narrowly avoiding removal from office. -
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Ulysses S. Grant
Birthplace: Point Pleasant, Ohio, United States
Education: United States Military Academy at West Point
Military service: Union Army general during the Civil War
Previous offices: None
Family members: Married to Julia Dent Grant
Important contributions: Led Union forces to victory in the Civil War. As president, focused on Reconstruction efforts and civil rights for African Americans. Also promoted westward expansion and oversaw implementation of the 15th Amendment. -
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Rutherford B. Hayes
Birthplace: Delaware, Ohio, United States
Education: Graduated from Kenyon College and Harvard Law School
Military service: Union Army major general during the Civil War
Previous offices: U.S. Representative for Ohio, Governor of Ohio
Family members: Married to Lucy Webb Hayes
Important Contributions: Ended Reconstruction, advocated civil service reform, improved civil rights, focused on education and economic stability. -
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James Garfield
Birthplace: Orange Township, Ohio, United States
Education: Graduated from Williams College
Military service: Served as a major general in the Union Army during the Civil War
Previous offices: U.S. Representative for Ohio
Family members: Married to Lucretia Rudolph Garfield
Important contributions: He advocated for civil service reform and worked to reduce corruption in government. He marked the beginning of efforts to modernize the U.S. Navy and reform the civil service system. -
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Chester A. Arthur
Birthplace: Fairfield, Vermont, United States
Education: Graduated from Union College
Military service: Served as Quartermaster General in the Union Army during the Civil War
Previous offices: Collector of the Port of New York, Vice President under James Garfield
Family members: Married to Ellen Lewis Herndon Arthur
Important contributions: Presidency marked by civil service reform, including the Pendleton Act. Also worked on modernizing the navy and promoting civil rights. -
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Grover Cleveland
Birthplace: Caldwell, New Jersey, USA
Education: Self-taught, studied law
Military: None
Offices: Mayor of Buffalo, Governor of New York
Family: Married Frances Folsom Cleveland
Important Contributions: Served two non-consecutive terms. Focused on fiscal conservatism, tariff and civil service reform. Addressed issues like railroad regulation, labor strikes, and currency reform. Faced challenges including the Panic of 1893 and the Pullman Strike. -
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Benjamin Harrison
Birthplace: North Bend, Ohio, USA
Education: Miami University, studied law
Military: Colonel in the Union Army during the Civil War
Offices: U.S. Senator for Indiana
Family: Married Caroline Harrison
Important Contributions: Presidency marked by the Sherman Antitrust Act, McKinley Tariff, and Sherman Silver Purchase Act. Focused on civil rights and pension reforms for veterans, but faced criticism for handling the Panic of 1893. -
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Grover Cleveland
Birthplace: Caldwell, New Jersey, USA
Education: Self-taught, studied law
Military: None
Offices: Mayor of Buffalo, Governor of New York
Family: Married Frances Folsom Cleveland
Important Contributions: Served two non-consecutive terms. Focused on fiscal conservatism, tariff and civil service reform. Addressed issues like railroad regulation, labor strikes, and currency reform. Faced challenges including the Panic of 1893 and the Pullman Strike. -
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William McKinley
Birthplace: Niles, Ohio, USA
Education: Attended Allegheny College
Military: Served in the Union Army during the Civil War
Offices: Governor of Ohio
Family: Married to Ida Saxton McKinley
Contributions: Presidency marked by economic growth and expansion, including protective tariffs and the annexation of Hawaii. Assassinated in 1901, leading to Theodore Roosevelt's presidency. -
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Theodore Roosevelt
Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA
Education: Harvard University graduate
Military: Led the Rough Riders in the Spanish-American War
Offices: Governor of New York, Vice President under McKinley
Family: Married Alice Hathaway Lee Roosevelt, then Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt
Contributions: Known for progressive policies including trust-busting and conservation efforts. Pursued vigorous foreign policy, mediated end of Russo-Japanese War, advocated for labor rights and consumer protection. -
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William Howard Taft
From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Education: Yale College, Cincinnati Law School
Military Service: Governor-General of the Philippines during the Philippine-American War
Previous Offices: Solicitor General, Judge, Secretary of War
Family Members: Married to Helen Herron Taft; three children
Notable Achievements: Focused on trust-busting as President, served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court afterward. -
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Woodrow Wilson
Birthplace: Staunton, Virginia
Education: Princeton University, Johns Hopkins University (Ph.D. in political science)
Military Service: None
Previous Offices Held: Governor of New Jersey
Family Members: Married twice, three daughters
Notable Accomplishments: Established Federal Reserve, Federal Trade Commission, led during World War I, advocated for League of Nations. -
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Warren G. Harding
Birthplace: Blooming Grove, Ohio
Education: Attended Ohio Central College
Military Service: None
Previous Offices Held: Lieutenant Governor of Ohio, U.S. Senator from Ohio
Family Members: Married Florence Kling Harding, no children
Notable Accomplishments: Involved in Teapot Dome scandal, signed resolution ending World War I. -
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Calvin Coolidge
Birthplace: Plymouth Notch, Vermont
Education: Amherst College
Military Service: None
Previous Offices Held: Mayor, Lieutenant Governor, Governor of Massachusetts; Vice President of the United States
Family Members: Married Grace Goodhue Coolidge, two sons
Notable Accomplishments: Known for conservative economic policies; oversaw "Roaring Twenties" prosperity. -
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Herbert Hoover
Birthplace: West Branch, Iowa
Education: Stanford University (geology)
Military Service: Led U.S. Food Administration in WWI
Previous Offices Held: Secretary of Commerce
Family Members: Married Lou Henry Hoover, two sons
Notable Accomplishments: President during Great Depression, signed Smoot-Hawley Tariff, struggled to address economic crisis. -
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Franklin D. Roosevelt
Birthplace: Hyde Park, New York
Education: Harvard University, Columbia Law School
Military Service: Assistant Secretary of the Navy in WWI
Previous Offices Held: Governor of New York
Family Members: Married Eleanor Roosevelt, six children
Notable Accomplishments: Led during Great Depression, implemented New Deal, guided U.S. through WWII, established United Nations. -
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Harry S. Truman
Birthplace: Lamar, Missouri
Education: Various schools, no college degree
Military Service: U.S. Army captain in WWI
Previous Offices Held: U.S. Senator, Vice President
Family Members: Married Bess Truman, one daughter
Notable Accomplishments: Became president after FDR, dropped atomic bombs, began Cold War, desegregated military, supported United Nations. -
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Dwight D. Eisenhower
Birthplace: Denison, Texas
Education: United States Military Academy at West Point
Military Service: Five-star general in WWII, Supreme Commander of NATO
Previous Offices Held: None
Family Members: Married Mamie Eisenhower, two sons
Notable Accomplishments: Led Allied forces in WWII, initiated "New Look" defense policy, established NASA and interstate highway system. -
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John F. Kennedy
From: Massachusetts
Education: Harvard
Military service: Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during World War II
Previous offices held: U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator
Family: Jacqueline Kennedy (wife), Caroline and John Jr. (children)
Notable Achievements Notable for the Cuban Missile Crisis, Bay of Pigs Invasion, Civil Rights advocacy, establishment of the Peace Corps, and the goal to land a man on the moon. Assassinated in 1963. -
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Lyndon B. Johnson
From: Texas
Education: Southwest Texas State Teachers College
Military Service: Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy during WWII
Previous office: U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator, Vice President under Kennedy
Family: Lady Bird Johnson (wife), Lynda Bird and Luci Baines Johnson (daughters)
Notable Achievements: Known for advancing civil rights legislation, escalating U.S. involvement in Vietnam, and launching the "Great Society" programs. Chose not to seek re-election in 1968. -
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Richard M. Nixon
From: California
Education: Whittier College, Duke University School of Law
Military Service: Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy during WWII
Previous offices: U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator, Vice President under Eisenhower
Family: Pat Nixon (wife), daughters: Tricia and Julie
Notable Achievements: Resigned from presidency due to Watergate scandal in 1974, known for foreign policy initiatives like opening relations with China and détente with the Soviet Union. -
Ratifying the Bill of Rights (George Washington)
President Washington called for the first 10 amendments to be officially ratified. -
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Gerald R. Ford
From: Nebraska (born), Michigan (raised)
Education: University of Michigan, Yale Law School
Military Service: Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy during WWII
Previous Office: U.S. Representative, Vice President under Nixon
Family: Betty Ford (wife), four children
Notable Achievements: Became President after Nixon's resignation, granted him a controversial pardon. Lost the 1976 election to Jimmy Carter. Continued public service and philanthropy after leaving office. -
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James Carter
From: Georgia
Education: United States Naval Academy
Military Service: Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, Governor of Georgia
Family: Rosalynn Carter (wife), four children
Notable Achievements: Brokered the Camp David Accords, established the Departments of Energy and Education, and won the Nobel Peace Prize for humanitarian work after his presidency. -
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Ronald R. Reagan
From: Illinois (born), California (lived and launched political career)
Education: Eureka College
Military Service: Captain in the U.S. Army Air Forces during WWII
Previous office: Governor of California
Family: Nancy Reagan (wife), two children
Notable Achievements: Known for conservative policies, Reaganomics, and ending the Cold War. Survived an assassination attempt in 1981. After leaving office, he was involved in philanthropy and public speaking. -
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George H. W. Bush
From: Milton, Massachusetts.
Education: Yale University.
Military service: Naval aviator during WWII.
Previous offices: Vice President, Director of Central Intelligence.
Family: Married to Barbara Bush, father to George W. Bush.
Notable: Led during the end of the Cold War, launched military operations in Panama and the Persian Gulf, remained active in humanitarian efforts post-presidency. -
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William J. Clinton
From: Hope, Arkansas.
Education: Georgetown University, Oxford University (Rhodes Scholar), Yale Law School.
Military service: None.
Previous offices: Governor of Arkansas.
Family: Married to Hillary Clinton, father to Chelsea Clinton.
Notable: Oversaw economic expansion, signed NAFTA, played a role in the Oslo Accords, impeached but acquitted, active in humanitarian work post-presidency. -
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George W. Bush
From: New Haven, Connecticut, raised in Texas.
Education: Yale University, Harvard Business School.
Military service: Served in the Texas Air National Guard.
Previous offices: Governor of Texas.
Family: Married to Laura Bush, father to Barbara and Jenna Bush.
Notable: Presidency marked by 9/11 attacks, wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, tax cuts, No Child Left Behind Act. Post-presidency focused on his Presidential Library and Foundation, painting, and writing. -
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Barack Obama
From: Honolulu, Hawaii.
Education: Occidental College, Columbia University, Harvard Law School.
Military service: None.
Previous offices: U.S. Senator from Illinois.
Family: Married to Michelle Obama, father to Malia and Sasha Obama.
Notable: First African American president, passed Affordable Care Act, oversaw Osama bin Laden's death, Nobel Peace Prize winner. Post-presidency, active in politics, writing, and public speaking. -
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Donald Trump
From: Queens, New York City, New York.
Education: Fordham University, University of Pennsylvania.
Military service: None.
Previous offices: None
Family: Married to Melania Trump, father to Donald Jr., Ivanka, Eric, Tiffany, and Barron Trump.
Notable: Businessman and TV personality before presidency, controversial policies during presidency, impeached twice, led during COVID-19 pandemic. Post-presidency, remains active in politics, media, and business. -
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Joseph R. Biden Jr.
From: Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Education: University of Delaware, Syracuse University College of Law.
Military service: None.
Previous offices: Vice President under Barack Obama, U.S. Senator from Delaware.
Family: Married to Jill Biden, father to Hunter, Beau (deceased), and Ashley Biden.
Notable: Oldest person to assume presidency, led during COVID-19 pandemic, initiated infrastructure and social policy reforms.