Fun Facts About John Adams
Adams – 1785, a portrait by Mather Brown
John Adams was America’s second president, but did you know he was also a lawyer, a bookworm, and even a prankster? Here are six fun and little-known facts about John Adams that kids will love!
1. He Defended the British Soldiers After the Boston Massacre
Even though Adams supported American independence, he believed everyone deserved a fair trial. After the Boston Massacre, when British soldiers fired into a crowd, Adams defended them in court—and most were found not guilty! This showed his strong belief in justice, even when it was unpopular.
2. He Loved to Write—A Lot!
John Adams wrote over 1,100 letters to his wife, Abigail Adams! They wrote about everything from politics to farm life, and their letters are some of the best records of early American history. Today, you can still read them in history books!
3. He Was Best Friends (and Worst Enemies) With Thomas Jefferson
Adams and Thomas Jefferson worked together to write the Declaration of Independence, but later they became political rivals. They argued a lot—sometimes even in newspapers! But in their old age, they became friends again and wrote letters back and forth for 14 years.
4. He Had a Silly Nickname
People called John Adams “His Rotundity” because he was short, a little chubby, and liked to dress fancy. He didn’t like the nickname, but it stuck!
5. He Was the First President to Live in the White House
Washington, D.C., became the U.S. capital during Adams’ presidency, and in 1800, he became the first president to live in the White House. Back then, it wasn’t finished yet—his wife Abigail had to hang laundry in the unfinished East Room!
6. He and Thomas Jefferson Died on the Same Day—July 4th!
In one of history’s strangest coincidences, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826—exactly 50 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence! Adams’ last words were, "Thomas Jefferson survives"—but he didn’t know that Jefferson had passed away just a few hours earlier.
