Presidents of the United States

American Presidents

The United States has had 43 presidents since George Washington took office in 1789. He served until 1797, was married to Martha Washington, and he died in 1799. His vice-president was John Adams for both terms he served. Washington's major contributions were being the first president, and developing a strong sense of foreign policy. He is remembered as "the father of his country" and a Revolutionary war general. Next came John Adams from 1797 to 1801. He was married to Abigail, and he died in 1826. His vice-president was Thomas Jefferson, and his main accomplishments were managing the war between the French and the English without the U.S. becoming involved, building up America's naval defenses, and he is remembered for being the first president to live in the White House. The third president was Thomas Jefferson, from 1801 to 1809. He was married to Martha, but she died before he took office. He died in 1826. His vice-president was Aaron Burr until 1805 and George Clinton during his second term. His main accomplishments were cutting the national debt, acquiring the Louisiana Purchase, and he is remembered for sending Lewis and Clark on their journey to explore the west, and for writing the Declaration of Independence. James Madison served from 1809 to 1817. He was married to Dolly, and died in 1836. His vice-presidents were George Clinton and Elbridge Gerry, who died in office. His main accomplishments were declaring war on Britain, and leading the country to victory and he is remembered as the "father of the Constitution." James Monroe served from 1817 to 1825. He was married to Elizabeth and he died in 1831. His vice-president was Daniel Tompkins. His main accomplishments were choosing a strong cabinet, and for helping create the Missouri Compromise that allowed slavery in certain areas. He is most remembered for the Monroe Doctrine on foreign policy. John Quincy Adams served from 1825 to 1829. He was married to Louisa, and he died in 1848. His vice-president was John Calhoun. His accomplishments included beginning a building program of canals and highways, and for attempting to bring more art and culture to the nation. He is most remembered for serving in the House of Representatives after being president.

Andrew Jackson served from 1829 to 1837. He was married to Rachel, and he died in 1845. His nickname was "Old Hickory," and his vice-president was Martin van Buren. His accomplishments included simplifying government jobs, and helping create the Democratic Party. He is most remembered as a great general and for defying Congress. Martin Van Buren served from 1837 to 1841. He was married to Hannah, and he died in 1862. His vice-president was Richard Johnson, and his nickname was the "Little Magician." His accomplishments included regulating banks and federal funds, and creating an independent treasury. He is most remembered for the Panic of 1837, and for being opposed to slavery. William Henry Harrison served in 1841 and died after only one month in office. He was married to Anna. His vice-president was John Tyler. He is most remembered for being the first president to die in office. John Tyler served from 1841 to 1845. He was married to Letitia and then Julia and he died in 1862. His nickname was "Old Tippecanoe." His accomplishments included annexing Texas and creating a type of homestead act. He is most remembered as the first president to draw impeachment charges from Congress. James Polk served from 1845 to 1849. He was married to Sarah and died in 1849. His vice-president was George Dallas. His accomplishments included acquiring California and Oregon, and the western U.S. He is most remembered for the War with Mexico. Zachary Taylor served from 1849 to 1850. He was married to Margaret, and he died in office in 1850. His nickname was "Old Rough and Ready," and his vice-president was Millard Fillmore. His accomplishments included being anti-slavery, and he is most remembered as a fine military leader. Millard Fillmore served from 1850 to 1853. He was married to Abigail and died in 1874. His accomplishments included adding California as a state and abolishing slavery in Washington D.C. He is most remembered for signing the Fugitive Slave Act.