presidents

Presidents in Health Crises: Trump More Hands-On Than Many

Most American presidents will confront a crisis—or crises—before they leave office, whether it is a natural disaster, war, economic downturn, public health threat or terrorism.

How Historians Rate Presidents

Historians have for decades weighed presidents' virtues and accomplishments in a bid to determine the best and worst of the bunch.

What the Feud and Reconciliation between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson Teaches Us About Civility

by Mike Purdy

The history of presidential insults cause us to reflect how we should treat one another – not only in the public square, but around the family dinner table, in our marriages, and in the workplace. 

Wilson biographer explains why she thinks he was one of the most consequential presidents, flaws and all

An interview with Patricia O’Toole, the author of "The Moralist: Woodrow Wilson and the World He Made."

Michael Beschloss Spent 10 Years Studying Presidents at War

The worst parts of that history are still worth worrying about.

What Would Other Presidents Have Thought of Donald Trump?

by Ronald L. Feinman

A presidential historian looks back.

How two of President John Tyler's grandsons are still alive, 174 years later

Harrison Ruffin Tyler, 89, is one of two living grandsons of President John Tyler, who was born in 1790, one year after George Washington was sworn in as president.

All of American history fits in the life span of only three presidents

We’re just four presidential lives away from the Founding Fathers. John Adams.

Every president’s health, ranked

Why was Rutherford B. Hayes the healthiest US president of all time?

New Ulysses Grant presidential library at home in the South

Mississippi State University will launch the new library and exhibit space housing Grant's papers and artifacts on Nov. 30.

Foreign Travel Was Once Taboo for American Presidents

During the 1800s, the idea of a U.S. president making even one or two international visits—let alone over 50—was unheard of.

My 10 Worst Presidents Of All-Time

by Alan Singer

Guess who is number 1?

A President’s Restless Corpse May Be on the Move Again in Tennessee

James K. Polk’s body has been buried in three places. Lawmakers are now considering moving it again, to the site of a Polk family home and museum in Columbia, Tenn.

America’s Reckless Presidents

by Mel Ayton

Eager to escape the White House bubble many have exposed themselves to danger.

John Tyler’s Been Demoted in C-SPAN’s Latest Presidential Poll. Why This Is Unjust.

by Walter R. Borneman

He came in as #39. Here’s why he deserves better.

What Makes a President Great? Clipping? Sipping? Slashing?

What criteria should we use when ranking presidents? 

Lincoln, Washington and Roosevelts remain history’s best presidents in survey

Dwight Eisenhower moved into the top five for the first time, moving up from No. 8 in 2009 and No. 9 in 2000.

At This Auction, Even Millard Fillmore Gets Respect

At auction is the collection of the Hall of Presidents and First Ladies, a 60-year-old wax museum that has earnestly presented every occupant of the Oval Office — and their female counterparts — in varying degrees of accuracy.

What Studying the Presidents Teaches: Even Winners Can Lose

by Ronald L. Feinman

More than half the presidents who went on to take the White House earlier lost an election.

How Common Is It for Former Presidents to Remain Active in Public Life?

by Ronald L. Feinman

History shows most have been unable to stay quiet.