US Presidents and their odd obsessions: Unusual stories from White House

John Quincy Adams: A fan of skinny dipping

John Quincy Adams, the sixth US president, had a habit of taking daily nude swims in the Potomac River. He would start his mornings with a plunge into the chilly water, undeterred by the risks.

Aside from this, Adams was passionate about the natural sciences. He was even intrigued by the existence of mermaids and proposed funding an expedition to the North Pole, just in case any mysterious creatures were living there. His unusual interests often became the subject of mockery from his opponents.

John Quincy Adams (photo: Wikipedia)

Andrew Jackson: Duelist and keeper of odd pets

Known as the “warrior president,” Andrew Jackson led a tumultuous life that included numerous duels, often risking his life. He even carried a bullet in his body from one such encounter.

Jackson also had a beloved parrot named Poll, who had a penchant for swearing—a source of great amusement to Jackson’s guests. The parrot swore so uncontrollably that it had to be removed from Jackson’s funeral, as it couldn’t stop expressing its “displeasure” with the ceremony.

Andrew Jackson (photo: Wikipedia)

Theodore Roosevelt: President with a bullet in his chest

Theodore Roosevelt was known for his courage and willingness to face extreme challenges. During one campaign speech, he was shot, but Roosevelt, despite the injury, continued his speech, as the bullet was lodged among his documents in his pocket.

Roosevelt declined to have the bullet removed by doctors and completed the campaign with it in his chest, solidifying his reputation as an unbreakable “bull moose.”

Theodore Roosevelt (photo: Wikipedia)

Benjamin Harrison: President who feared electricity

Benjamin Harrison made history as the first president to bring electricity to the White House but was too frightened to use it. Both Harrison and his wife were so wary of being electrocuted that they avoided touching the light switches, sometimes leaving the lights on all night.

This fear was understandable when electrical technology was still new and viewed as potentially dangerous.

An advertising campaign handkerchief from Benjamin Harrison's campaign (photo: Wikipedia)

Lyndon Johnson: President with "unusual" humor

Lyndon Johnson was notorious for his dominant personality and sometimes inappropriate humor. He frequently made fun of his staff and even spoke to them with the bathroom door open.

Johnson liked to showcase his “alter ego,” which he named “Jumbo,” believing that such behavior added to his authority. Many contemporaries suspected this behavior stemmed from a psychological disorder, yet Johnson remained one of the most distinctive figures in American politics.

Lyndon Johnson (photo: Wikipedia)