Discover the Unexpected: Top 12 Fun Facts About Martin Van Buren You Never Knew

1. Hair Wizardry President

When one typically thinks of dashing hairdos, few minds wander to the presidents of yore; but little do they know that the secret to mastering the perfect slicked-back look was hiding in the 1800s all along: Martin Van Buren, our 8th President, flaunted a distinctive hair wizardry that gloriously rested on his widow's peaked crown, while simultaneously managing to side-step any wig-wearing traditions on his continuous quest for follicle fame.
Source => splencner.com

2. Dutch-Speaking President

Before "Dutch" was just a way to split the dinner bill, it was the native tongue of a U.S. President: Martin Van Buren was the only President whose first language wasn't English, as he grew up in a primarily Dutch community, chattering away in Dutch at home and learning English as a second language in school.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

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3. Political Houdini

Who needs a magic wand when you've got political prowess? Meet the Harry Houdini of the White House: Martin Van Buren earned the nickname "The Little Magician" for his ability to manipulate elections, strategically build and control the Democratic party, and revolutionize American politics as a key player in the Albany Regency.
Source => inverarity.livejournal.com

4. Origin of "OK"

Who knew President Van Buren would be the original "OK Boomer"? : It turns out Martin Van Buren's nickname, "Old Kinderhook" from his birthplace in Kinderhook, New York, spurred his supporters to create the now ubiquitous catchphrase "OK" during his presidential campaign, with slogans like "Vote for OK" on campaign merchandise, inadvertently making him the creator of one of the most used phrases in the English language today.
Source => loc.gov

5. Pocket-Sized Fashion Icon

Standing at a whopping 5 feet 6 inches of pure sartorial splendor, Martin Van Buren was the pocket-sized fashion icon of the 19th century: This impeccably dressed gent was not only the eighth Vice President and the tenth Secretary of State, but also served as the eighth President of the United States from 1837 to 1841, after being a key northern leader for his pal Andrew Jackson.
Source => whitehouse.gov

6. Arabian Stallions in the White House

Forget tigers – it's all about Arabian stallions on Pennsylvania Avenue: President Martin Van Buren, the first truly "American" president born after the Declaration of Independence, received a pair of fine Arabian horses as a gift from the Sultan of Oman, which he happily cared for and enjoyed horseback riding during his term in office.
Source => presidentialpetmuseum.com

7. Controversial Hostess

What do you get when you cross a First Lady, a dollop of Dolley Madison, and a pinch of European high society? A controversial White House hostess with a penchant for standing tall and wearing all white: Angelica Singleton Van Buren, daughter-in-law to Martin Van Buren, served as his White House hostess after being introduced by former First Lady Dolley Madison. She not only made waves in the Washington social scene but also traveled with her husband to assure European nations of the U.S.'s financial stability post-Panic of 1837. Alas, her original entertaining practices ultimately contributed to Van Buren's opposition during his reelection campaign.
Source => whitehousehistory.org

8. First Non-British Descent President

Ladies and gentlemen, cue the "Hail to the Dutch" as we step into the world of presidential ancestry: Martin Van Buren was the first U.S. president who was not primarily of British descent, making history as the third sitting vice president to be elected president, and taking his oath of office with Chief Justice Roger Taney in the Senate Chamber on March 4, 1837.
Source => loc.gov

9. Silk Stocking Secret

Layering like a lady: Martin Van Buren, despite being a dapperly dressed gentleman, had an unusual wardrobe secret up his trouser legs; he wore women's silk stockings beneath his pants to keep warm during the frosty winter months, a hush-hush fact divulged only by his son after his death.
Source => whitehouse.gov

10. OG Political Hipster

Picture the late 1840s: the Wild West, covered wagons, and Martin Van Buren, the OG political hipster, flaunting his third-party street cred: Van Buren broke away from the two-party system by running as the Free Soil Party candidate in 1848, even though he wasn't a sitting President since 1841, all to oppose the expansion of slavery, a move that truly shook the political foundation of the time.
Source => nps.gov

11. The Little Magician

In a world where size matters and magical abilities are revered, one pint-sized political wizard reigned supreme: Martin Van Buren, known as the "Little Magician" for his strategic prowess and ability to build strong alliances, such as with President Jackson, which led to his presidential victory in 1836.
Source => millercenter.org

12. Harry Potter of Politics

Before he gave Harry Potter a run for his money in the wizarding world, Martin Van Buren was known for conjuring political magic of his own: Fondly called "The Little Magician", this skilled politician charmed his way through high-ranking roles such as Secretary of State, Vice President, and President, gaining respect for his deal-brokering and alliance-forging prowess.
Source => history.state.gov