1. George Washington
Feb. 22, 1732 ~ Dec. 14, 1799
Religion: Episcopalian
Marriage: Martha Dandridge Custis
Military service: Served in the Virginia militia 1752-1754, 1755-1758; commander in chief of the Continental Army 1775-1783
Term: April 30, 1789 – March 3, 1797
Vice president: John Adams
Highlights of presidency:
He signed the Proclamation of Neutrality in 1793 declaring the United States friendly and impartial toward the European nations at war. Washington ordered 15,000 militia to put down the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794. He denied Congress access to executive branch records involving the Jay Treaty of 1795.
Did you know?
Washington’s dentures were made of human, animal and ivory bases — not made of wood — and were held in his mouth with metal springs. He was the only president who was elected unanimously by the Electoral College. His last name comes from his ancestral town in England, known in 1183 as Wessyngton, but five generations later, when he became president, it had become Hertburn.
2. John Adams
Oct. 30, 1735 ~ July 4, 1826
Religion: Unitarian branch of Congregationalism
Marriage: Abigail Smith in 1764
More Top Picks Best White Noise Machines For Offices
Military service: None
Term: March 4, 1797 – March 4, 1801
Vice president: Thomas Jefferson
Highlights of presidency:
In 1797, Adams encouraged the declaration of war against France by producing documents about protection money being paid to French privateers to stop harassment of American merchant ships. He signed the Alien and Sedition Act of 1798, permitting the deportation of dangerous aliens, imprisoning enemy aliens and restricting freedom of speech to criticize the government.
Did you know?
In 1770, he successfully defended the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre. He signed the Treaty of Paris on Sept. 3, 1783, ending the War for American Independence. He was the first president to reside in what would become known as the White House. Adams was the father of John Quincy Adams, sixth president of the United States.
3. Thomas Jefferson
April 13, 1743 ~ July 4, 1826
Religion: Deism; grew up Anglican
Marriage: Martha Wayles Skelton, who died before Jefferson took office
Military service: None
Term: March 4, 1801 – March 3, 1809
Vice presidents: Aaron Burr, 1801-1805; George Clinton, 1805-1809
Highlights of presidency:
1800 was the first contested election, between Aaron Burr and Jefferson. It was thrown into the House of Representatives, where it took 36 ballots to decide for Jefferson. He sent the U.S. Marines “to the shores of Tripoli” to defeat the Barbary Pirates in the Mediterranean Sea, 1801-1805. He bought the French Louisiana Territory for $15 million, doubling the United States in area. He signed legislation abolishing the importation of slaves.
Did you know?
At age 33, he wrote the draft of the Declaration of Independence unaided by references in 18 days, June 11-28, 1776. Jefferson served his country as minister to France, 1785-1789, secretary of state, 1790-1793, and as vice president, 1797-1801.
4. James Madison
March 16, 1751 ~ June 28, 1836
Religion: Episcopalian
Marriage: Dolley Payne Todd
Military service: He was commissioned a colonel from Orange County, Va., during the War for American Independence but discharged due to frail health before he saw any action.
Term: March 4, 1809 – March 3, 1817
Vice presidents: George Clinton, 1809-1812; Elbridge Gerry, 1813-1814; vacant, 1814-1817
Highlights of presidency:
The impressment of American sailors into the British Navy sparked the War of 1812. Victories on Lake Erie by Capt. Oliver Perry and at New Orleans by Gen. Andrew Jackson in 1815 ended the war.
Did you know?
More Top Picks Best White Noise Machines For Sleep
Traditionally Madison is called the “Father of the Constitution.” He served as a U.S. House member from Virginia, 1789-1797, and secretary of state, 1801-1809. His nickname was Jemmy. He is the shortest president at 5 feet, 4 inches, and he weighed just 100 pounds. His wife, Dolley, saved Gilbert Stuart’s famous painting of George Washington shortly before British soldiers burned the White House.
Source: “The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents” by William A. DeGregorio