Ah, the cigar. Emanating power and prestige, it’s kind of like a Rolls Royce, but much easier to put in your mouth. Because of this esteemed reputation, it’s not surprising that cigars have been smoked by many of our nation’s past presidents. Whether scratching at the back door or sneaking in through an open window, cigars have found their way into the White House during several presidential terms.
We all know that JFK was an avid fan of Cuban cigars, and we know that Bill Clinton also put cigars to use – albeit strange use – but use nonetheless. However, what we might not know is that 20 of the past 43 presidents have smoked cigars. From the Civil War to the Cold War, presidents have turned to cigars in times of trials and times of joy. While some smoked cigars less zealously, the following is a list of presidents who were passionate cigars smokers, stopping just short of nominating Henry Clay for their presidential cabinets.
Zachary Taylor
The twelfth president, Zachary Taylor was known as a hero of the Mexican War and elected president in 1848. A soldier who had dedicated his life to military service, Taylor was an avid cigar smoker. However, ever a “man’s man,” he would only smoke cigars in the presence of men who were also cigar smokers. Known as “Old Rough and Ready” because of his choice of clothing, Zachary Taylor died in office after eating the ever-so-tasty combination of cherries, milk, and pickled cucumbers.
Ulysses S. Grant
If ever there was a president who was a true cigar connoisseur, it was probably Ulysses S. Grant. A Civil War hero, Grant was elected as the 18th President in 1869. Never doing anything in moderation, he was rumored to have smoked 20 cigars per day. In fact, one legend states that he smoked over 10,000 cigars in a period of five years.
During his campaign for the presidency, his cigar smoking was used as a propaganda-laden ploy with the emergence of the song, “A Smokin’ His Cigar.” With lyrics that went, “The people know just what they want. Less talk and no more war. For President, Ulysses Grant A-smoking his cigar,” US Grant was portrayed as a peace-loving man, calm and collected during times of strife. Once he was elected, Grant took his love for the cigar even further and was rarely photographed without a cigar in hand, or in mouth.
Chester Arthur
The 21st President elected in 1881, Chester Arthur was society’s president, known for lavish clothing, midnight suppers, and meals filled with champagne and expensive cigars. Fired for bribery and corruption in earlier years, Arthur grew to be called “The Gentleman Boss,” showcasing politeness, social stature and the luxuries of the times. This ultimately brought him, and the cigar, to a new level of honor and caused the journalist Alexander K. McClure to write, “No man ever entered the Presidency so profoundly and widely distrusted, and no one ever retired… more generally respected.”
William McKinley
According to legend, William McKinley, the 25th President, was the inspiration for the Wizard in the movie the Wizard of Oz. The elusiveness of the Wizard is fitting for McKinley’s elusive cigar smoking. While he was never photographed with a cigar, and rarely seen in public smoking, when alone it is rumored that he was borderline obsessive about this luxury. In fact, the White House Chief Usher once stated that McKinley had a passion for cigars unlike any other president. Whenever he was in the White House, there was always one in his mouth.
Warren G. Harding
Warren G. Harding, the 29th President elected in 1921, was widely known as a President more concerned with playing poker and golf than running the country. However, he did have some good qualities. One of these was the fact that, prior to declining health, he personally answered all letters from US citizens. Another good quality was that he was a cigar smoker, one who was so particular about the aroma of his cigars that he hauled his cigar humidor from Ohio to the White House.
Richard Nixon
Richard Nixon, the 37th President elected in 1969, may have uttered the words, “I am not a crook,” from the highest mountain top, but he never would have been caught saying, “I am not a cigar smoker.” Although he wasn’t a habitual cigar smoker, he did indulge as a sign of camaraderie with other world leaders. In fact, Nixon’s term was the last term in which cigars were offered after dinner for men to enjoy in the Green Room.
From Presidents who fought in the Mexican War to those who oversaw the Vietnam War, our leaders’ hands have embraced cigars for centuries. While Richard Nixon was the last President to smoke cigars, we can rest assured that there will be many more. Because we live in a Democratic nation, where we have the power of the vote, we can almost guarantee it.
About The Author
Jennifer Marie Jordan is an editor and staff writer for www.whatsknottolove.com. At home in a design firm in Denver, Colorado, she writes articles specific to the finer things in life.
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