This past election day, Donald Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States. Following his unsuccessful run for the presidency in 2020, a president serving non-consecutive terms has only happened one other time in the history of the U.S. presidency. This prompted us to think: what other unique facts about the electorate and presidents have happened throughout history?
While the history of the U.S. presidency is rich with fascinating stories and electoral trivia, many facts about the presidential time in office also make them memorable. Here, we explore some lesser-known, yet captivating, presidential and electorate facts that showcase the unique history of America’s highest seat.
George Washington: The Only Unanimously Elected President
George Washington holds a unique and unparalleled place in U.S. history as the only president to have been unanimously elected by the Electoral College. This extraordinary achievement occurred not once, but twice, in 1788 and 1792. Washington’s unanimous elections reflect his towering influence as a unifying figure at the dawn of the republic, his unmatched reputation as a leader, and the high regard in which his contemporaries held him.
When the United States held its first presidential election in 1788-1789, the country was still finding its footing after the Revolutionary War and the adoption of the Constitution. As the first president, Washington’s task was monumental: to set precedents and establish trust in the new federal government. His leadership during the war and at the Constitutional Convention positioned him as the natural choice for the presidency.
The Electoral College system, as outlined in the Constitution, required electors to cast two votes each, one of which could not be for a candidate from their state. Washington received all 69 electoral votes, a feat never repeated in U.S. history. In the 1792 election, he was re-elected unanimously with 132 electoral votes.
William Henry Harrison: The Shortest Presidential Term
William Henry Harrison, the ninth president of the United States, holds the unfortunate distinction of serving the shortest term in office. Inaugurated on March 4, 1841, Harrison delivered the longest inaugural address in U.S. history, lasting nearly two hours, in freezing weather without a coat or hat. This exposure is believed to have contributed to his falling ill shortly after. He died just 31 days into his presidency, on April 4, 1841, from what was likely pneumonia.
Harrison’s brief tenure underscored the importance of presidential succession, leading to a constitutional crisis of sorts. His death paved the way for Vice President John Tyler to become the first to assume the presidency under the ambiguous terms of the Constitution. Tyler’s decisive declaration that he was now the president (not merely “acting” president) set a precedent later formalized by the 25th Amendment.
Theodore Roosevelt: The Youngest President
Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States, was a trailblazer in countless ways. Among his many distinctions, he holds the title of the youngest president in U.S. history, assuming office at the age of 42 following the assassination of President William McKinley in 1901. Roosevelt’s youth, energy, and vision ushered in a new era of leadership that transformed the presidency and left a lasting impact on the nation.
Roosevelt did not initially seek the presidency. As a rising star in the Republican Party and a former governor of New York, he was chosen as McKinley’s vice-presidential running mate in the 1900 election to balance the ticket. Roosevelt’s charisma, reformist zeal, and popularity among progressives made him an ideal choice for the role, though party leaders saw the vice presidency as a way to sideline him politically.
However, fate intervened when McKinley was shot by an anarchist, Leon Czolgosz, on September 6, 1901. After McKinley succumbed to his wounds on September 14, Roosevelt was sworn in as president, becoming the youngest to ever hold the office—a record that still stands today.
Grover Cleveland: The Only President to Serve Non-Consecutive Terms
Grover Cleveland holds a unique distinction in U.S. history as the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms. Now, Donald J. Trump will also have this unique distinction. Serving as both the 22nd and 24th president of the United States, his return to the presidency after a four-year hiatus showcases a rare example of resilience and enduring public trust. Cleveland’s presidency was characterized by his commitment to integrity, fiscal responsibility, and opposition to political corruption.
Despite his popularity, Cleveland lost his bid for re-election in 1888 to Benjamin Harrison, largely due to the Electoral College system. While Cleveland won the popular vote, Harrison carried more electoral votes, particularly in key swing states. After leaving office, Cleveland returned to private life in New York, where he remained an influential figure in the Democratic Party.
Franklin D. Roosevelt: A President for Four Terms
Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) holds a singular place in American history as the only president to serve more than two terms. He was elected to the presidency four times, serving from 1933 until his death in 1945. His unprecedented tenure was marked by some of the most challenging periods in U.S. history, including the Great Depression and World War II. FDR’s leadership during these crises redefined the presidency, expanded the role of the federal government, and left a lasting legacy on the nation’s political, economic, and social landscape.
Before FDR, the informal two-term limit established by George Washington was respected by every president, though it wasn’t legally binding. Roosevelt shattered this precedent by winning a third term in 1940 and a fourth in 1944. His continued electoral success was fueled by his ability to connect with the American people and address their needs during extraordinary times. The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, officially limited presidents to two terms, a decision largely influenced by FDR’s extended presidency.
Barrack Obama: The First Black President
Barack Obama’s election as the 44th president of the United States in 2008 was a watershed moment in American history. As the first Black president, Obama broke barriers that had stood for centuries, symbolizing progress in the nation’s ongoing struggle with race and equality. His presidency was marked by a message of hope and change, as well as significant policy achievements that reflected his commitment to social justice, economic recovery, and international diplomacy.
Among his many presidential accomplishments, the 44th president also won two Grammy Awards—not for singing, but for narrating the audiobook versions of his memoirs, Dreams from My Father and The Audacity of Hope. His eloquence and storytelling ability helped him connect with audiences worldwide.
Donald J. Trump: The Oldest President Elected
Prior to Donald Trump’s election this year, Joe Biden was 78 years, 61 days of age on Inauguration Day and was the oldest person to assume the presidency. In 2025, Donald Trump will surpass him at 78 years, 220 days to be the oldest president elected and inaugurated. With his reelection, Donald Trump also joins Grover Cleveland as only other person elected to non-consecutive terms as president.
From humble beginnings to extraordinary achievements, U.S. presidents have led lives that reflect the diverse fabric of America itself. Their unique experiences remind us that even the highest office in the land is held by individuals with distinct stories. Whether it’s Washington’s unanimous elections or Obama’s Grammy wins, these facts highlight the humanity behind the presidency and provide a richer understanding of those who have shaped the nation’s history.
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Monet Hendricks is the blog editor and meme connoisseur for Social Studies School Service. Passionate about the field of education, she earned her BA from the University of Southern California before deciding to go back to get her Master’s degree in Educational Psychology. She attended the graduate program at Azusa Pacific University pursuing her post-grad Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis and currently works as a School Psychologist in Los Angeles, CA. Her favorite activities include traveling, watching documentaries on mental health, and cooking adventurous vegetarian recipes.