The top 5 myths about US Presidents that aren’t true

Could your small child chop down a tree?
presidential myths
Sorry, y'all. This is a pre-Photoshop fake.

American presidents are always in the public limelight, and, as a result, many things are said about them. We can’t help but wonder what our presidents’ lives must be like since they are pretty much in a different world from us. This, however, does not mean we should believe everything we read. Legendary stories that aren’t supported by facts have been created from our president’s most famous speeches to their teeth. 

Still, the following are five famous myths about United States presidents that aren’t true.

George Washington never chopped down the cherry tree

Most historians are convinced that George’s first biographer, Mason Locke Weems, made up this entire story. Weems attempted to idolize Washington and his public service through various fabricated tales that he knew would captivate ravenously curious readers and empty their pockets. 

Professionals currently define the cherry tree yarn as the first and most stubborn of the president’s myths. However, this story of honesty is entirely fabricated, and its vagueness is evident. 

It goes to that Washington, who was six years, cut down a cherry tree with a hatchet. When his father inquired what had occurred, he was honest about what he had done, thus affirming his courage and honesty. However, it goes against logic that a boy his age would have the physique to cut down a cherry tree. Let alone having the strength to swing a hatchet.

Portrait of George Washington.

William Taft did not get stuck in a bathtub

Taft ordered an extra-large bathtub to be expertly installed in the White House to accommodate his 5-foot-11, 340-pound frame. That part of the story is true. The reason he got the new, bigger tub in the first place was because (the legend goes) that he got stuck in the old one. This myth just does not hold weight.

There was an incident in 1915: he had an embarrassing bath experience when he got into a hotel tub and caused a massive overflow that swamped the floor and trickled down, dripping onto the heads of the guests on the floor below. 

On the following morning, as Taft stared out over the Atlantic, he noted that he would acquire a piece of it and have it fenced in one day, so that when he ventured in, there would be no overflow issue. 

William Howard Taft William Howard Taft.

The Gettysburg Address was not written on an envelope.

A particular urban legend claims that Abraham Lincoln rapidly wrote down his most famous speech on the back of an envelope while on a train heading to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, from Washington, D.C. on Nov. 19, 1863.

However, the facts do not match up because he was invited to visit for the speech way back in August 1863 , which was a reasonable amount of time to contemplate what he wanted to communicate. 

Additionally, there are no original copies of the speech among the five that are written on envelopes or in spasmodic handwriting, which one would expect from someone on a moving train. 

One of the two confirmed photos of Lincoln (center, facing camera) at Gettysburg, taken about noon, just after he arrived and some three hours before his speech. To his right is his bodyguard, Ward Hill Lamon. (National Archives)

George Washington did not have wooden teeth.

This myth is something to chew on since it possibly arose when people noticed one of his ivory sets, which appeared wooden and grained when stained. The truth is that Washington had dentures; however, they were not rigid. 

Instead, they were made of several materials, such as ivory, lead, and gold; therefore, there is no evidence that his teeth were made of timber. Historians have stated that the discoloring of Washington’s teeth probably led some to think of them to be wood. 

Teddy Roosevelt did not ride a Bull Moose.

Teddy Roosevelt.

Even though Theodore Roosevelt, famously known as “Teddy Bear,” was regarded as the leader of the Bull Moose Party, he certainly did not ride a moose, despite the famous image that has circulated on social media over the years. 

The particular picture that led some to think this myth is true was photoshopped the old-fashioned way, using a pair of scissors and glue. The original post featured a political picture that included all three presidential candidates from 1912, along with an animal that they believed best represented their party.

Don’t Miss the Best of Mighty History

We Are The Mighty is a celebration of military service, with a mission to entertain, inform, and inspire those who serve and those who support them. We are made by and for current service members, veterans, spouses, family members, and civilians who want to be part of this community. Keep up with the best in military culture and entertainment: subscribe to the We Are The Mighty newsletter.

Ruddy Cano is a decorated Afghanistan War Veteran, executive producer, and author. His body of work includes political campaigns, published works, health insurance, and humanitarian aid. He has a passion for projects that bridge the gap between civilians and veterans to shine a brighter light on issues. “I’m 5’2 and have had to fight for everything, everywhere and twice as hard. Don’t you dare let me see you quit.”


Learn more about WeAreTheMighty.com Editorial Standards