QUIZ: Can You Name These US Presidents From Just Their Childhood Photos?
When you look at a childhood photo of a person, it’s pretty easy to draw throughlines between those youthful features and the adult they’ll someday become. But a childhood photo, devoid of context, makes things trickier.
U.S. presidents are some of the most iconic and recognizable individuals who’ve ever existed. But do you know their faces well enough to recognize them in their youth? It’s time to put your knowledge to the test, because some of these are sure to keep you guessing. Let us know how you did in the comments! Read on to flex your American history skills.
Who is this?
This youngster became one of the 20th century’s most iconic presidents. Who is it?
A. Dwight Eisenhower
B. John F. Kennedy
C. George H.W. Bush
D. Ronald Reagan
B: John F. Kennedy
It’s hard to mistake those facial features for anyone other than John Fitzgerald Kennedy!
Before JFK’s World War II heroics and his later presidency, he grew up in Brookline, Massachusetts with his eight siblings.
Who is this?
The boy on the right would go on to become president. Which one is he?
A. Jimmy Carter
B. Dwight Eisenhower
C. John F. Kennedy
D. Richard Nixon
B. Dwight Eisenhower
Dwight D. Eisenhower – often dubbed ‘Ike’ – was a five-star army General during World War II.
The Texan’s roots can be traced all the way back to the 18th century, when his paternal ancestors emigrated from Germany.
Which commander-in-chief is this?
Who’s the future president behind this mischievous smirk?
A. Franklin Roosevelt
B. John F. Kennedy
C. Harry Truman
D. Lyndon Johnson
D. Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon B. Johnson was known for a wry, knowing expression during his presidency, but as a baby, this manifested mostly as a smirk.
LBJ took over after the JFK assassination in 1963, and went on to be re-elected in a landslide the following year.
Which future president is this?
The boy on the right would preside over the country during a time of crisis. Who is he?
A. Harry Truman
B. Jimmy Carter
C. Gerald Ford
D. Dwight Eisenhower
A. Harry Truman
Truman took over the presidency at a difficult time: not only did he take over in the final months of World War II, he also found himself pushed into the role after the death of the enormously popular Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Who’s this baby?
This future president was famous long before he entered the political arena. Who is he?
A. Ronald Reagan
B. John F. Kennedy
C. Richard Nixon
D. Harry Truman
A. Ronald Reagan
After a humble upbringing in Illinois, Ronald Reagan left the midwest behind for the glitz and glamor of Hollywood.
He started his career as a broadcaster and later became one of the biggest names to grace the silver screen.
Who is this?
This is one of a few future presidents to have played collegiate sports. Who is he?
A. Jimmy Carter
B. Gerald Ford
C. Richard Nixon
D. John F. Kennedy
B. Gerald Ford
Michigan Wolverines fans likely already know that photo.
It’s Gerald Ford, who helped Big Blue to two undefeated seasons – and national titles – in 1932 and 1933 as the team’s starting center and linebacker.
Which president is this?
This kid became the cowboy president. Who is he?
A. Calvin Coolidge
B. Theodore Roosevelt
C. William H. Taft
D. Woodrow Wilson
B. Theodore Roosevelt
If you squinted just a little, and added a monocle and mustache, you can pretty much see Teddy Roosevelt.
One of the biggest personalities ever to sit in the Oval Office, Roosevelt overcame a sickly childhood to become a rugged outdoorsman.
Who is pictured here?
It’s hard work being a future president. Who’s this man?
A. Millard Fillmore
B. Franklin Pierce
C. Abraham Lincoln
D. Andrew Johnson
C. Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln’s distinctive beard and stovepipe hat gave him an iconic appearance, but even before this, he was a distinctive-looking person.
That painting showed a young Lincoln hard at work in the outdoors.
Which president is this?
He’s one of several presidents to hail from Ohio. Who is he?
A. James Garfield
B. Chester Arthur
C. Benjamin Harrison
D. John Quincy Adam
A. James Garfield
James A. Garfield spent his early years in a log cabin on the Ohio frontier, then later fought in the Civil War and served nine terms in the House of Representatives.
He was slain by an assassin in 1881.
And finally, who is this?
This future president represented the Whig Party. What’s his name?
A. Franklin Pierce
B. James Polk
C. James Buchanan
D. John Tyler
D. John Tyler
Upheaval within the Democratic-Republic Party (yes, that was a thing) cleared the way for William Henry Harrison and his Whig Party to win the presidency in 1841. Harrison passed away unexpectedly, and Vice President John Tyler took his place.
How’d you do on this quiz? Let us know in the comments!
