U.S. Presidents
America’s Founding Fathers decided that one elected civilian—the U.S. president—would lead the executive branch of the federal government, a structure that has remained in place for nearly 250 years. Learn about U.S. presidents and presidential elections, from George Washington and Thomas Jefferson to John F. Kennedy and Donald Trump.
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Framers of the Constitution identified just three requirements. The 14th and 22nd Amendments added two more.
Over a span of six decades, the first 10 presidents of the United States helped define the role of the executive branch.
His privileged childhood on a Virginia plantation gave him access to a rich education. He fell in love with Enlightenment ideas.
From carefully staged speeches to radio to Twitter, U.S. presidents have always leveraged the cutting edge to connect directly with voters.
Presidential Advice
Advice from the Founding Fathers: George Washington
When George Washington was young, he copied down 101 rules of social behavior that would later become a book of his titled Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation.
3 Surprising Facts
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The 1970 postal strike brought the nation to its knees.
How Lady Bird Johnson Influenced Environmental Preservation
In July 1969, Lady Bird Johnson championed a wildflower conservation campaign in Texas, focusing on planting native species along highways to enhance the state’s natural beauty and preserve its unique flora.
D-Day was a historic World War II invasion, but the events of June 6, 1944 encompassed much more than a key military victory.
Save Our History: Grant Cottage
Step into history at Grant Cottage, the preserved final home of Ulysses S. Grant, where original 1885 artifacts and stories bring the past to life.
Part archives, part museums, these presidential libraries offer unusual experiences, including holograms and AI avatars.
What was the most-watched U.S. presidential debate in history? Find out this and other surprising facts about the relatively modern political tradition.
The Lincoln Memorial
Discover the history and enduring legacy of the Lincoln Memorial.
Theodore Roosevelt’s Conservation Efforts
Discover how tragedy helped inspire Theodore Roosevelt’s lifelong commitment to protecting natural landscapes.
How the Bloodiest Day in American History Became a Turning Point for Lincoln
The Battle of Antietam was the bloodiest day in American history. And for President Lincoln, this battle became a crucial turning point—an opportunity to cast the war as a fight for freedom.
From its design and construction to its famous rooms, gardens and renovations, these books trace the history of the White House and the overlooked people who lived and worked there.
George Washington is the only U.S. president who hasn’t lived at the White House.
After his first battle in North Africa exposed U.S. weaknesses, Eisenhower regrouped, hired General Patton and led major military victories.
Inside Lincoln’s Secret Wrestling Career
Abraham Lincoln has been linked to claims that he was a powerful professional wrestler who helped popularize iconic moves like the chokeslam.
As the famous saying goes, 'If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.'
The Real Plot Behind Lincoln’s Assassination
A shot rings out from the balcony of Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., and America’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, is killed. It has long been thought that this was the work of one man.
Despite the important role of the Electoral College, the Constitution doesn’t say much about the electors themselves.
