Presidents’ Day: How Well Do You Know George and Abe?

In honor of Presidents’ Day, instead of selling you a mattress or car insurance, the History Dr. has what we hope will be an interesting challenge. While Presidents’ Day was originally dedicated to President George Washington, who was born on February 22, it’s now celebrated for all U.S. presidents. We include our favorite, Abraham Lincoln, here with Washington.

Both Abraham Lincoln and George Washington served in seminal wars, both were known for their integrity and high character and both are immortalized on Mount Rushmore.

So, which statements are true of General George Washington and which are true of “Honest” Abe Lincoln?

1. As president, he once held an ax with his arm fully extended outward to the amazement of the troops he was visiting, none of whom could emulate him despite being much younger.
2. He was an animal lover who kept a cat named Tabby in the White House.
3. This president almost didn’t get included on Mount Rushmore.
4. He was described as a man who “never judged men by his like, or dislike for them.”
5. In wartime this great man said, “It is not a question of whether God is on our side. It is a question of whether we are on his side.”
6. Although not a drinker himself, he once defended “habitual drunkards” by saying, “The demon of intemperance seems to have delighted in sucking the blood of genius and of generosity.”
7. He was buried in a lead lined coffin, wrapped in tarpaper and covered with asphalt and concrete, reinforced with steel rails, and ten feet under.
8. This president gave a major July 4th speech to Congress about the importance of the Articles of Confederation.
9. His modesty led him to say, “I claim not to control events, but confess that events have controlled me.”
10. He was so broke that he had to borrow money to travel to his own inauguration.
11. He came under enemy fire while president.
12. He said, “In modern wars, the longest purse must chiefly determine events.”
13. He wore a size 13 shoe.
14. This president is revered by our European Allies as the best U.S. president.
15. One of his descendants was President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
16. This president was nominated for president because he was from a pivotal state.

All but one of these statements is true of either Washington or Lincoln; one is true of both men. Can you tell which is which?

Check back next week for the answers!

Did you enjoy this test of knowledge of two of our great presidents? If so, please pass it along, and Happy Presidents’ Day from the History Dr.