Popular misconceptions about each American president

John Tyler (1841-1845) was expected to become president following William Henry Harrison's death: When President Harrison died, it was expected that his VP, John Tyler, would become president.

William Henry Harrison (1841) caught pneumonia at his inauguration and died: Harrison did die one month after his inauguration.

Martin Van Buren's (1837-1841) parents were Dutch immigrants: Van Buren's parents were indeed of Dutch descendance.


Andrew Jackson (1829-1837) won the War of 1812 at the Battle of New Orleans: Well, not quite. When US forces claimed victory in New Orleans, the War of 1812 was already over.

John Quincy Adams (1825-1829) died on the Senate floor: The real story is a bit different. 

James Monroe (1817-1825) was the brains behind the Monroe Doctrine: The Monroe Doctrine was about the US staying out of European affairs.

James Madison (1809-1817) always wanted a Bill of Rights: The Father of the Constitution initially voted against a Bill of Rights.

Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809) introduced ice cream in America: Thomas Jefferson didn't introduce ice cream in the US. 

John Adams (1797-1801) was a monarchist: Adams was a bit of an elitist, and he believed people should call George Washington.

George Washington (1789-1797) chopped down a cherry tree...and then confessed: An 1806 biography written by Mason Locke Weems describes an episode.

Click Here