What is Your Favorite Odd Fact from American History?

From the 50-year coincidence of two presidents dying on July 4th, to the unusual weight struggles of our 27th President, and the whimsical Billy Possum toys, American history is filled with curious and somewhat bizarre facts. Let's take a closer look at these fascinating stories.

The 50-Year July 4th Coincidence

The historical moment of July 4, 1826, is one of the most poignant in American history. On that day, both Presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died on the same date, exactly 50 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. What added to the irony is that James Monroe also passed away on July 4 a few decades later, making three presidents die on the same date in this pivotal American holiday.

The Surrender of the Confederacy at Appomattox Courthouse

At the Appomattox Courthouse in 1865, the surrender of the Confederate forces was penned by a Union Native American. This unique fact underscores the complexity and diversity of American history, where even in such a solemn moment, Native Americans played a critical role in the historic events.

William Howard Taft: The Heavyweight President

William Howard Taft, the 27th president of the United States, inaugurated a new level of physicality in American presidentialdom. He weighed an astonishing 340 pounds (155 kg), making him the heaviest president in history. To cope with his weight, he even had a custom bathtub installed at the White House. Despite the rampant rumors that he got stuck in the bathtub, there is no concrete evidence to support these claims. This myth likely began decades after Taft's tenure, overshadowing his actual contributions.

Interestingly, Taft was a heavyweight wrestling champion at Yale and tall. Despite his weight, he still managed to stay relatively healthy. As Chief Justice, Taft famously administered the oath of office to two of his successors, Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover. His presidency, however, was not as well-remembered for his significant legislative achievements. Instead, he is best known for the 'bathtub myth,' despite the fact that his weight issues were a lifelong challenge.

Bruin Frenzy and the Billy Possums

Just as Teddy Roosevelt's popularity inspired a surge in Roosevelt Bear toys, toy manufacturers attempted to capitalize on Taft's popularity after his election. However, they struggled to “Billy Possums,” which were stuffed animals named in his honor. This attempt to revive the Roosevelt bearmania fell flat, perhaps due to the less appealing name or simply the changing tastes of the public.

The Dreamlike State and Presidential Zzzs

Apart from his weight and the bathtub, Taft was also known for his occasional, dreamlike states. Senator James Watson described how Taft would often fall asleep during conversations, sometimes even nodding off during important events. This peculiar behavior was not unique to Taft. He was also known to doze off at operas, funerals, and especially church services.

The Humorous Bathwater Leakage Incident

While exiting a hotel bathtub in 1915, an exuberant tale circulated that Taft managed to flood the entire hotel. Though the evidence for this anecdote is somewhat dubious, it adds a humorous touch to the story. Despite the temporary embarrassment, Taft kept his composure and humorously remarked, "I’ll get a piece of that fenced in some day and then I venture to say there won’t be any overflow."

Misleading Legacy and Taft's Final Words

It's clear that Taft did not greatly enjoy the office of the presidency. In a now-famous quote, he told Woodrow Wilson, "I’m glad to be going. This is the lonesomest place in the world." This sentiment is echoed even years later, in a poignant last letter where he wrote, "Took a long horseback ride today. Feel fine." However, Taft lived up to the challenges and his shortened term did not prevent him from achieving a long and successful career, serving as Chief Justice until 1930. He passed away in 1930 from heart disease, having lived beyond the typical life expectancy of his time, a remarkable feat given his physical struggles.

Conclusion

These odd and often amusing facts about American presidents shed light on the complex and often contradictory nature of historical figures. From the symbolic power of a bathtub in the White House to the dreamlike stumbles of a heavyweight champion, these stories highlight the unique challenges and accomplishments of the nation's leaders.

References and Further Reading

1. Presidential Trivia: Legendary Taft
2. July 4, 1826: Three Presidents Die on the Same Day