Presidential Ordering Part 1: 1776-1850 Quiz

George Washington (president 1789-1797) was born on February 22, 1732, in Virginia Colony, British America. He was president for two terms - elected unanimously both times - the only president ever to do so. He was the one who decided the proper address for the president should be "Mr. President." Washington died on December 14, 1799 from acute bacterial epiglottitis.

John Adams (president 1797-1801) was born on October 30, 1735, in Braintree, Massachusetts Bay, British America. When the Boston Massacre happened (March 5, 1770), no one wanted to represent the British soldiers that killed the five civilians. Adams did this because he firmly believed everyone had the right to a lawyer and a fair trial.

He died on July 4, 1826, in Quincy, MA. Among his last words were, "Jefferson survives." He didn't know his long-time friend and rival died hours before.

Thomas Jefferson (president 1801-1809) was born on April 13, 1743, in Shadwell, Virginia, British America. Jefferson was the second governor of Virginia from 1779-1781. Jefferson was the main author of "The Declaration of Independence." John Adams worked closely with Jefferson, and the two became friends.

Jefferson completed the Louisiana Purchase and doubled the size of the United States in land.

He died on July 4, 1826, in Charlotteville, VA just a few hours before his good friend, and political rival, John Adams.

James Madison (president 1809-1817) was born March 16, 1751, in Port Conway, Virginia, British America. Madison was Secretary of State under Jefferson. He was president of the United States during the War of 1812. He died from heart failure on June 18, 1836, at his home in Montpelier.

James Monroe (president 1817-1825) was born on April 28, 1758, in Monroe Hall, Virginia, British America. At the Battle of Trenton, Monroe was severely injured when he severed an artery.

His daughter, Maria, married Samuel Gouverneur, who was her cousin. She was the first president's child to get married at the White House.

Monroe died on July 4, 1831, from tuberculosis, in New York City.

John Quincy Adams (president 1825-1829) was born on July 11, 1767, in Braintree, Massachusetts Bay, British America (It is now called Quincy, MA.). He was the son of the second president, John Adams.

While president, Adams gained Florida from the Spanish with the Adams-Onis Treaty. He died on February 23, 1848, in Washington, D.C.

Andrew Jackson (president 1829-1837) was born March 15, 1767, in the Waxhaws Settlement between North and South Carolina, British America.

In 1815, his victory at the Battle of New Orleans made him a hero. He was the first president to have someone try to assassinate him. He died June 8, 1845, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Martin Van Buren (president 1837-1841) was born on December 5, 1787, in Kinderhook, NY. Van Buren was the first president born in the official United States of America. The previous seven were born on the land, but back then it was called British America.

He died on July 24, 1860, in Kinderhook, NY.

William Henry Harrison (president March 1841-April 1841) was born February 9, 1773, in Charles City Country, Virginia, British America.

He was the last president born in British America. At the time of his election, at age 68, he was the oldest person ever elected president. This has been surpassed.

His presidency only lasted 31 days before he died, making him the first president to die while in office. He was delivering his inauguration speech on a cold, wet day and chose not to wear a coat, and at 8,445 words, he delivered one of the longest inauguration speeches ever given.

Then, on March 24, 1881, he was out walking without a coat again, even though it was raining. He became really sick with pneumonia. On April 4, 1881, he uttered his final words to his doctor, though it is believed they were meant for his vice-president, John Tyler, "Sir, I wish you to understand the true principles of the government. I wish them carried out. I ask nothing more."

John Tyler (president from 1841-1845) was born on March 29, 1790, in Greenway Plantation, Charles City County, Virginia, USA. He was the first president to become president without being elected after Harrison died in April 1841.

He died on January 18, 1862, at the Ballard House in Richmond, Virginia.

James Knox Polk (president 1845-1849) was born on November 2, 1795, in Pineville, North Carolina, United States. While he was president, the United States fought in the Mexican American War. In 1845, Texas was made a state in the union. Also, during his presidency Iowa and Wisconsin were admitted into the union.

Polk died on June 15, 1849, at his home in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. His last known words were to his wife, "I love you, Sarah, for all eternity, I love you."

Zachary Taylor (president from 1849-1850) was born on November 24, 1784, in Barboursville, VA, USA. He was only in office for sixteen months when he took sick with a sudden stomach disease and died on July 9, 1850.