Fun Facts About Franklin D. Roosevelt
Roosevelt in the early 1930s by Vincenzo Laviosa
Franklin D. Roosevelt, also known as FDR, was the 32nd president of the United States and the only president elected four times! He led the country through the Great Depression and World War II, but there are many fun and little-known facts about him. Here are six kid-friendly facts about FDR!
1. He Was Related to 11 Other U.S. Presidents!
Talk about a famous family! FDR was distantly related to 11 different U.S. presidents, including George Washington, John Adams, James Madison, and even his cousin Theodore Roosevelt! His wife, Eleanor Roosevelt, was also his fifth cousin once removed.
2. He Loved Collecting Stamps
Before becoming president, FDR had a unique hobby—collecting stamps! He started when he was a kid and continued throughout his life. He even helped design some U.S. stamps while he was president!
3. He Was the First President to Appear on Television
FDR was the first U.S. president to be broadcast on TV! In 1939, his speech at the New York World’s Fair was shown on television, making history as the first president to use this new technology.
4. He Had a Dog Named Fala Who Became Famous
FDR’s Scottish Terrier, Fala, was one of the most famous presidential pets of all time! Fala traveled with him everywhere and even had a movie made about him. Today, there’s a statue of Fala next to FDR’s memorial in Washington, D.C.
5. He Helped Create the March of Dimes
FDR was diagnosed with polio at age 39, which left him unable to walk without help. Because of this, he started a campaign to raise money for polio research. He encouraged people to send dimes to the White House, which led to the creation of the March of Dimes—a charity that still helps sick children today!
6. He Was the First (and Only) President to Serve Four Terms
Most U.S. presidents can only serve two terms, but FDR was elected four times! He led the country during some of its toughest times, including the Great Depression and World War II. After he passed away in 1945, the 22nd Amendment was passed, limiting future presidents to two terms.
