Quiz: How well do you know US presidents?
By Andrew Torgan and Ivory Sherman
Discover a bevy of presidential trivia, from Washington to Biden. Also, if you’re a US history buff looking for more, don’t miss the premiere of the documentary series “LBJ: Triumph and Tragedy.” The series about President Johnson airs on CNN Sunday, February 20, with back-to-back episodes at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET and Monday, February 21, at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET.
Who was the first president to live in the White House?
While George Washington selected the site for the White House in 1791, John Adams moved into the still-unfinished residence on November 1, 1800.
The White House wasn’t always known as the “White House.” It was sometimes called the Executive Mansion, the President’s House, and several other names. Which president officially named the building The White House?
Though “White House” had been used informally before, Theodore Roosevelt was the one to formalize the name in 1901.
Who was the first president to be born a US citizen?
Martin Van Buren, the eighth President of the United States, was born on December 5th, 1782, in Kinderhook, NY.
How many children did George Washington have?
George Washington was one of a handful of presidents who did not have children while in office. However, he was a stepfather to his wife Martha’s two children from a previous marriage.
Which president spent the shortest amount of time in office?
Harrison – the first US president to die in office – passed away on April 4, 1841, just a month after refusing to wear a hat and overcoat despite rain and freezing temperatures during his inauguration.
Which state has produced the most US presidents?
Eight presidents have been born in Virginia, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Woodrow Wilson.
In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson made what historic decision?
Johnson appointed Robert C. Weaver, an African-American man, to head the Department of Housing and Urban Development. (For the record, Harry Truman signed an order desegregating the US military in 1948).
What kind of farm did President Jimmy Carter famously own before he became president?
Carter’s family owned a peanut business, which he put into a trust upon assuming office in 1977.
Which president was known by the Secret Service code name “Rawhide?” (Hint: His First Lady’s code name was “Rainbow.”)
The whole Reagan family had code names that began with an “R,” including “Rawhide” for President Reagan himself. (President Obama’s family also had “R”-based code names, including “Renegade”for himself, and “Renaissance” for first Lady Michelle Obama.)
Who was the only president to leave the White House and return for a second term four years later?
Grover Cleveland was the 22nd and 24th President of the United States. He lost his bid for re-election to Benjamin Harrison in 1888, but ran again and was elected in 1892.
