Presidents Day in Watsonville: Was Our First Commander in Chief Our Best?

Presidents Day celebrates our first president’s birthday, as well as honors all of our nation’s past presidents.

Though George Washington’s actual birthday is Feb. 22, the federal holiday—generally observed with mattress sales and finding ways to keep the kiddies entertained—always falls on the third Monday of the month.

How much do you know about the Father of Our Country—or the other 43 men who have held the position of Commander in Chief?

• Washington crossed the Delaware River, but did you know that John Quincy Adams skinny dipped in the Potomac?

• You might remember Jimmy Carter’s troublesome/lovable brother Billy, but did you know William Henry Harrison kept a pet billy goat at the White House.

• And while William McKinley could be called tech-savvy—he was the first presidential candidate to campaign by telephone—Benjamin Harrison was afraid of electricity and would not touch the light switches when the White House got wired.

Which president had an unusual use for Vaseline? A fake jaw? Spoke Chinese? Check out 44 Facts You Didn’t Know About U.S. Presidents on the Huffington Post to find out.

Who is your favorite American president? Tell us in comments.