Knowledge Builders

did thomas jefferson have pets in the white house

by Ford Hahn Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

U.S. presidents and their families have typically liked animals. Creatures from mice to bears have made a home at the White House and its grounds.
...
Presidential Pets.
PresidentAnimals
George WashingtonPolly the parrot; 36 hounds; horses
John Adamshorses
Thomas Jeffersona mockingbird; two bear cubs, a gift from Lewis and Clark
40 more rows

Full Answer

See more

image

What animals did Thomas Jefferson have in the White House?

President Thomas Jefferson kept a magpie, one of four birds sent back from the Lewis and Clark expedition, as a pet.

Did Thomas Jefferson have any pets?

Thomas Jefferson was known as a man who valued his privacy, however, he kept many pets during his lifetime. For instance, he had a number of pet mockingbirds during his time as president. Jefferson had three dogs including a terrier named Sweet Lips, and a Newfoundland named New Purchase.

What strange pets did Jefferson keep at the White House?

Another president who had an odd pet was Thomas Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, owned a pair of Grizzly Bear cubs. Captain Zebulon Pike, while exploring the West, purchased these cubs as a birthday present for President Jefferson.

Which presidents had pets in the White House?

Herbert Hoover, the 31st president, had an opossum. And Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president, had a raccoon named Rebecca that walked on a leash! Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president, was famous for his many pets. His six kids had snakes, dogs, cats, a badger, birds, guinea pigs, and more.

What president had the most pets?

President Theodore RooseveltPresident Theodore Roosevelt had the most pets owned as a president at 48. He owned a few strange pets, including a black bear, a badger, a hyena, and even a three-legged rooster. That list of "pets" is just the tip of the iceberg!

Did Thomas Jefferson have a cat?

Thomas Jefferson, was thought to have had a cat, but instead he owned a bird that was very adept at mimicking loud meowing sounds. This thoroughly delighted White House visitors. Martin van Buren owned the largest of the feline species — two tiger cubs — gifts from the Sultan of Oman.

Which president kept a pet alligator?

President John Quincy AdamsDid you know President John Quincy Adams had a pet alligator? He kept it in a bathtub in the East Room of the White House. But President Adams wasn't the only commander-in-chief with an unusual pet.

Which president had the weirdest pet?

Top prize for the oddest (and perhaps most dangerous) First Pet went to John Quincy Adams, who is said to have kept an alligator in the East Room. So much for the calming embrace of animal affection after a tough presidential day.

Which president had a pet hyena?

Johnson, Bishop Doane, Fighting Bob Evans, and Father O'Grady; Maude the pig; Josiah the badger; Eli Yale the blue macaw; Baron Spreckle the hen; a one-legged rooster; a hyena; a barn owl; Peter the rabbit; and Algonquin the pony. President Roosevelt loved the pets as much as his children did.

Which president had a pitbull?

Pete (Theodore Roosevelt's dog)SpeciesDogBreedBull terrier (conflicting reports)DiedOctober 1910OccupationPresidential petOwnerTheodore Roosevelt and his family

What president had a cat in the White House?

Abraham LincolnThough Abraham Lincoln was the first president to keep cats as pets—Secretary of State William Seward gifted him two kittens he named Tabby and Dixie—Andrew Hager, historian-in-residence at the Presidential Pet Museum, believes that the first cats to pad through the White House were likely nameless.

Who had the first dog in the White House?

Although our first President, George Washington, never lived in the White House — it was not completed until the Administration of John Adams, our second President — he is credited with owning the first Presidential pet.

What breed of dog did Thomas Jefferson have?

History credits both the Marquis De Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson with bringing specimens of the Briard to the Americas. Thomas Jefferson became interested in Briards while serving as minister to France. The Briard is a very old breed of French working dog.

Did Thomas Jefferson have two grizzly bears?

Thomas Jefferson received a pair of grizzly bears as a gift from Captain Zebulon Pike in 1807. The bears arrived at about the same time as Pike's letter (October 1807) explaining that he had acquired the male and female cubs in the southern region of the great Continental Divide.

What are some fun facts about Thomas Jefferson?

5 Surprising Facts About Thomas JeffersonHe was a (proto) archaeologist. Mastodon Mandible. ... He was an architect. Detail of Jefferson's Floor Plan for Monticello. ... He was a wine aficionado. Monticello's Wine Cellar. ... He was a founding foodie. Recipe for Ice Cream in Jefferson's hand. ... He was obsessed with books.

What were Thomas Jefferson's hobbies?

Jefferson spent his post-presidential years at Monticello, where he continued to pursue his many interests, including architecture, music, reading and gardening.

Which president has the most pets?

Jefferson was not the only President to have brought unusual pets to the White House. Theodore Roosevelt was the President with the most pets, having made a small zoo in the yard of the White House where he kept a lion, a hyena, snakes, bears, and a badger, besides having dogs, cats, horses guinea pigs, and birds.

Who was Thomas Jefferson?

Thomas Jefferson was a fighter for freedom, a human rights activist and supporter of democracy. He was a student of law who graduated from the College of William & Mary, and went on to work as a lawyer for a short period of time, mostly defending slaves in their pursuit of freedom.

What was Thomas Jefferson's main source of money?

Although he had all kinds of vegetables, wheat, and animals on his farm, his main source of money was tobacco.

Was Thomas Jefferson a farmer?

It is safe to say that he wasn’t as successful a farmer as he was a politician, but even when he became president, Thomas Jefferson remained loyal to his farming roots. Proof of that could be seen when he brought a herd of 40 sheep along with him when moving to the White House. A Shetland Sheep. Photo Credit.

Did Calvin Coolidge have a zoo?

His successor Calvin Coolidge, also had a small zoo where he kept a bear, a hippo, a bobcat, raccoons and all kinds of dogs. James Buchanan kept a pet elephant, while John Quincy Adams and Herbert Hoover had alligators. However, besides Roosevelt’s badger biting a few people, no other presidential pets have ever harmed, nevermind killed anyone, unlike the angry ram of Thomas Jefferson.

What was Thomas Jefferson's favorite pet?

He loved the birds’ songs and their ability to mimic what they heard, and he went on to acquire several of them. His favorite, however, was a mockingbird he named Dick.

Why did Jefferson choose the dogs for each home?

True to his nature, Jefferson selected the dogs for each home with care—always sending out well-chosen pairs so the breeding could continue.

How many sheepdogs did Jefferson have?

He called the dog Buzzy, and Buzzy gave birth to two pups during the ocean voyage on board The Clermont, so Jefferson arrived in the United States with not one but three French sheepdogs. This was the beginning of what is now known as the Briard Bergere line in the United States.

What did Jefferson do with his dogs?

At Monticello, the dogs were put to work herding sheep, and Jefferson was delighted. Shortly after Jefferson’s return, Lafayette sent Jefferson another pair so Jefferson began his “careful multiplication of the immigrants…” Dogs he described as “the most careful, intelligent dogs in the world.”

Why did Thomas Jefferson bring his grandchildren into the house?

Two-year-old Thomas Jefferson Randolph was terribly afraid of dogs, so Jefferson—in a very grandfatherly fashion–brought one of the puppies into the house so that the child could become accustomed to being around an animal.

What was the finest dog Jefferson knew?

The French naturalist, mathematician, and author wrote that the finest dog he knew was the chien bergere de Brie (Briard sheepdog) because of its intelligence and fine character. According to de Buffon, the dog was “instinctively prone to industry.”. This description of a dog caught Jefferson’s attention.

Why were dogs considered a menace?

hunting or herding and were probably fed erratically. Communities often viewed them as a menace because they helped themselves to sheep and goats ...

The President Who Knew Too Much

If there is one United States president who is as well known for his accomplishments outside of his presidency as for those during, it is Thomas Jefferson.

Young Thomas Jefferson: A Brilliant Mind

From a young age, Jefferson studied a wide variety of subjects, including nature, science, history, Latin, Greek, and French. Later in his life he learned Spanish, bringing the total amount of languages he knew up to five.

What kind of pets did the Presidents have?

All the presidents’ pets: An illustrated guide. When George Washington moved into the President’s House, he brought his horses and hounds in tow, beginning a long tradition of presidents welcoming all sorts of furry — and feathered and scaly — friends into the residences. Champ and Major, the Biden family’s German shepherds, ...

Where did Thomas Jefferson buy his dog?

Thomas Jefferson bought his dog, Bergere, in France. She had two puppies onboard the ship heading back to the United States.

What was John Tyler's greyhound?

John Tyler’s Italian greyhound, Le Beau, was gifted to him from the consul of Naples.

What was Andrew Jackson's horse named after?

Andrew Jackson’s horse, Sam Patch, was named after the first famous American daredevil.

Where did Lincoln's dog live?

Fido, Abraham Lincoln’s dog, didn’t get to live in the White House. Instead, he stayed in Springfield, Illinois.

Who stole the ham from the kitchen?

Vulcan, George Washington’s hound, once stole a ham from the kitchen right before a dinner party.

Who was the first shelter dog in the White House?

Major Biden is the first shelter dog to live in the White House. He had his own “indoguration” via Zoom a few days before the real inauguration on January 20.

What was the first dog to live in the White House?

Among the canines was Spot Fetcher, an English Springer Spaniel and the offspring of George H. W. Bush's dog, Millie. This made Spotty the first animal to live in the White House under two different administrations, having been born there in 1989 and passed away there in 2004.

What dog did Grace Coolidge have?

Grace Coolidge with Laddie Boy, an Airedale Terrier, and Rob Roy, a white Collie. Controversy resulted from a 1964 photo of Lyndon B. Johnson pulling his dog by its ears. United States presidents have often kept pets while in office, or pets have been part of their families.

What kind of dog did Hoover have?

Pets also featured in presidential elections. Herbert Hoover got a "Belgian Police Dog" ( Belgian Malinois ), King Tut, during his campaign and pictures of him with his new dog were sent all across the United States.

Did Obama have a dog?

Barack and Michelle Obama were without pets prior to the 2008 election, but promised their daughters they could get a dog when the family moved into the White House. They selected Bo, a Portuguese Water Dog, partly due to Malia Obama 's allergies and the need for a hypoallergenic pet.

Did Richard Nixon have a slush fund?

Richard Nixon was accused of hiding a secret slush fund during his candidacy for vice president under Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1952. He gave the televised " Checkers speech " named after his cocker spaniel, denying he had a slush fund but admitting, "there is one thing that I did get as a gift that I'm not going to give back." The gift was a black-and-white cocker spaniel, Checkers, given to his daughters. Although there had been talk of Nixon being dropped from the ticket, following his speech he received an increase in support and Mamie Eisenhower reportedly recommended he stay because he was "such a warm person."

Who gave the grizzly bears to Jefferson?

Two grizzly bear cubs, male & female pair, gifted from Captain Zebulon Pike; deeming them "too dangerous & troublesome for me to keep", Jefferson gave them to Charles Willson Peale for his museum in Philadelphia

Did Bill Clinton have a cat?

Bill Clinton moved into the White House with Socks, a tuxedo cat, who in 1991 was reported to have jumped into the arms of Chelsea Clinton after piano lessons while the Clintons were living in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was later joined in 1997 by Buddy, a Labrador Retriever, during Clinton's second term. The two reportedly did not get along, with Clinton later saying "I did better with the Palestinians and the Israelis than I've done with Socks and Buddy" while Hillary Clinton said Socks "despised" Buddy at first sight. The two were, however, the subject of a book, Dear Socks, Dear Buddy: Kids' Letters to the First Pets written by then First Lady Hillary Clinton and appeared as cartoons in the kids' section of the first White House website.

Where did Thomas Jefferson live?

In 1772 he married Martha Wayles Skelton, a widow, and took her to live in his partly constructed mountaintop home, Monticello. Freckled and sandy-haired, rather tall and awkward, Jefferson was eloquent as a correspondent, but he was no public speaker.

What were the two political parties that Jefferson led?

Sharp political conflict developed, and two separate parties, the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans, began to form. Jefferson gradually assumed leadership of the Republicans, who sympathized with the revolutionary cause in France. Attacking Federalist policies, he opposed a strong centralized Government and championed the rights of states.

Why did Thomas Jefferson retire to Monticello?

Jefferson retired to Monticello to ponder such projects as his grand designs for the University of Virginia. A French nobleman observed that he had placed his house and his mind “on an elevated situation, from which he might contemplate the universe.”. He died on July 4, 1826.

Why did Thomas Jefferson become Vice President?

As a reluctant candidate for President in 1796, Jefferson came within three votes of election. Through a flaw in the Constitution, he became Vice President, although an opponent of President Adams. In 1800 the defect caused a more serious problem. Republican electors, attempting to name both a President and a Vice President from their own party, cast a tie vote between Jefferson and Aaron Burr. The House of Representatives settled the tie. Hamilton, disliking both Jefferson and Burr, nevertheless urged Jefferson’s election.

What was Jefferson's second term?

During Jefferson’s second term, he was increasingly preoccupied with keeping the Nation from involvement in the Napoleonic wars, though both England and France interfered with the neutral rights of American merchantmen. Jefferson’s attempted solution, an embargo upon American shipping, worked badly and was unpopular.

Which president suppressed his qualms over constitutionality when he had the opportunity to acquire the Louisiana Territory?

Further, although the Constitution made no provision for the acquisition of new land, Jefferson suppressed his qualms over constitutionality when he had the opportunity to acquire the Louisiana Territory from Napoleon in 1803.

Who urged Jefferson to run for president?

The House of Representatives settled the tie. Hamilton, disliking both Jefferson and Burr, nevertheless urged Jefferson’s election. When Jefferson assumed the Presidency, the crisis in France had passed.

image

The President Who Knew Too Much

Image
If there is one United States president who is as well known for his accomplishments outside of his presidency as for those during, it is Thomas Jefferson. Like John Adams, Jefferson began his political career under George Washington’s presidency as the first secretary of state. However, Jefferson resign…
See more on presidentialpetmuseum.com

Young Thomas Jefferson: A Brilliant Mind

  • From a young age, Jefferson studied a wide variety of subjects, including nature, science, history, Latin, Greek, and French. Later in his life he learned Spanish, bringing the total amount of languages he knew up to five. Jefferson graduated from the College of William & Mary at 18 and began working as a law clerk. In 1767 he was admitted to the Virginia bar and began practicing l…
See more on presidentialpetmuseum.com

Jefferson’s Political Life

  • Jefferson began his political career as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress in 1775. Along with John Adams, he was chosen to serve on the committee charged with writing the Declaration of Independenceand was nominated by Adams as the principal writer. Once independence was gained, Jefferson served on the Virginia House of Delegates and was then el…
See more on presidentialpetmuseum.com

Did You Know…?

  1. Jefferson had a lifelong love of books and his collection numbered in the thousands. He chose to donate this collection to the Library of Congress after the library lost its books in a fire during...
  2. In 1783 Jefferson was appointed as the Virginia delegate to the newly formed Congress of the Confederation. During his tenure, he proposed that American currency be based on the deci…
  1. Jefferson had a lifelong love of books and his collection numbered in the thousands. He chose to donate this collection to the Library of Congress after the library lost its books in a fire during...
  2. In 1783 Jefferson was appointed as the Virginia delegate to the newly formed Congress of the Confederation. During his tenure, he proposed that American currency be based on the decimal system, whi...
  3. Although Jefferson owned slaves, he publicly denounced slavery many times during his political career. He proposed bills to make slavery illegal and his original draft of the Declaration of Indepen...

1.Thomas Jefferson and the Grizzly Bears at the White House

Url:https://www.presidentialpetmuseum.com/pets/thomas-jefferson-grizzly-bears-white-house/

26 hours ago  · A A. Thomas Jefferson was not only fond of dogs, but also loved mockingbirds and grizzly bears, which lived on the White House property. His favorite pets included two bear …

2.First Pets: Four-Legged or Feathered Friends of President …

Url:https://www.newsmax.com/FastFeatures/thomas-jefferson-pets/2015/05/12/id/644112/

23 hours ago Two-year-old Thomas Jefferson Randolph was terribly afraid of dogs, so Jefferson—in a very grandfatherly fashion–brought one of the puppies into the house so that the child could …

3.Thomas Jefferson's Dogs - America Comes Alive

Url:https://americacomesalive.com/thomas-jeffersons-dogs/

6 hours ago Did Thomas Jefferson have a pet alligator? President Herbert Hoover’s (1929-1933) younger son Allan had two pet gators in the early 1930s, which actually roamed on the White House …

4.Thomas Jefferson Biography - Presidential Pet Museum

Url:https://www.presidentialpetmuseum.com/presidents/03tj/

23 hours ago  · Did Thomas Jefferson have a pet alligator? President Herbert Hoover’s (1929-1933) younger son Allan had two pet gators in the early 1930s, which actually roamed on the …

5.White House pets: An illustrated guide - CNN

Url:https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2021/02/politics/white-house-pets/

4 hours ago  · The Trump family didn’t have a pet, but in 2019, Donald Trump gave honors at the White House to Conan, a US military dog injured during a raid on ISIS. Joseph R. Biden In office …

6.United States presidential pets - Wikipedia

Url:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_pets

35 hours ago Thomas Jefferson, a spokesman for democracy, was an American Founding Father, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence (1776), and the third President of the United States …

7.Thomas Jefferson - The White House

Url:https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/thomas-jefferson/

29 hours ago

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9