-Let’s see if anybody even knows who Martin Van Buren was:
-On an NPR cast back in 2006, John Ciardi had an entertaining explanation of how Van Buren’s presidential campaign coined the term “OK”–unfortunately, this is probably his most enduring legacy.
-Van Buren’s Kinderhook home, Lindenwald, is registered by the National Park Service (NPS) as a National Historic Site. If you’d like to learn more–or teach–about it, you can read up on a lesson plan developed by the NPS.
-His inaugural address provided one of the greatest presidential speaking goofs of all time:
“Unlike all who have preceded me, the Revolution that gave us existence as one people was achieved at the period of my birth; and whilst I contemplate with grateful reverence that memorable event…”
Hmmm, think about yourself much?
-Known for his meticulously elegant dress, Van Buren was lambasted for his expensive tastes in the “Golden Spoon Oration.” This government waste story is very reminiscent of a certain toilet seat story of today.
-For all you coin collectors, the U.S. Mint released an official Martin Van Buren one dollar coin.
-The Smithsonian Magazine’s article about the top-10 historic midterm elections, helps to explain the 10-year wave that Van Buren created and eventually rode to the presidency.
-Although it’s not the best presidential facial hair, Van Buren’s are by far the best sideburns of any commander in chief:
-Some “interpretations” of Van Buren’s luxurious tastes–coupled with the fact that he never remarried–were a bit on the liberal side; these include a W.H. Harrison-supporting political cartoon and the portrayal of Van Buren in Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson.
-He also is not immune to the occasional myth.
-In case you have trouble keeping all those “Vans” straight, Adam Sternbergh’s clarification article in New York Magazine should help keep you straight.
Previous Presidents:
1. George Washington
2. John Adams
3. Thomas Jefferson
4. James Madison
5. James Monroe
6. John Quincy Adams
7. Andrew Jackson
