Presidential cigar habits: which u.s. presidents smoked?

Smoking cigars has a long history in the United States, and several U.S. presidents have been known to enjoy this indulgence. From the early days of the nation to the modern era, cigars have been a part of presidential culture. In this article, we will explore which presidents smoked and delve into their cigar habits.

James Madison: The Early Cigar Enthusiast

James Madison, the fourth president of the United States, is believed to be one of the earliest presidents to enjoy cigars. Madison, a Virginian who grew tobacco, was known to smoke 'seegars' until his death at 85 years old.

Andrew Jackson: A Cigar and Coffee Pairing

Andrew Jackson, the seventh president, was possibly one of the first presidents to pair cigars with coffee. He reportedly told his doctor that cigars and coffee were the only two things he could not do without. Even Jackson's wife, Rachel, was known to enjoy a cigar on the veranda of their Nashville home.

Chester Arthur: Late-Night Cigars and Champagne

Chester Arthur, the 21st president, was another cigar enthusiast. History tells us that Arthur would dine late into the night and finish his meals with Champagne and expensive cigars.

Benjamin Harrison: Cigars from Hometown Tobacconist

Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd president, had the good fortune of having cigars sent to him by a hometown tobacconist in Indianapolis. He was able to enjoy quality cigars throughout his presidency.

William McKinley: The Intense Smoker

William McKinley, the 25th president, had a passion for cigars. While he would not smoke in public or allow his picture to be taken while smoking, those close to him knew that he was perhaps the most intense smoker of all the presidents. McKinley was rarely seen without a cigar in his mouth, except during meals or when asleep.

William Howard Taft: A Robust President and His Cigars

William Howard Taft, the 27th president, was a robust and rotund figure who didn't mind being seen with a cigar. He was known to enjoy a good smoke, as did Warren G. Harding, the 29th president, who often relaxed on the golf course with a stogie. The more challenging the job got, the more Harding smoked.

Ulysses S. Grant: A Union General and Cigar Aficionado

Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president, was not only a leader but also a cigar aficionado. As a Union general during the Civil War, Grant smoked up to 20 cigars a day, and his smoking habits increased as the war progressed. He was often sent cigars by admirers and would give away many of them. Grant would frequently relax in the lobby of the Willard Hotel, smoking a cigar and meeting with people who had business with the government.

Theodore Roosevelt: Conflicting Reports on Cigar Smoking

Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president, had conflicting reports regarding his cigar smoking habits. As a young boy, he was forced by his father to drink coffee and smoke cigars, despite having asthma. Some sources claim that Roosevelt gave up smoking cigars as an adult, while others suggest that he still enjoyed at least one Cuban cigar a day.

Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover: Avid Cigar Smokers

Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president, started his day with a foot-long Cuban cigar and would smoke as many as three supercoronas by noon. He often used cigars as a prop or a weapon to influence people and conversations. Herbert Hoover, the 31st president, was also an avid cigar smoker, known to smoke up to 20 cigars a day. Both presidents had a strong affinity for cigars.

John F. Kennedy: Cuban Cigars and the Trade Embargo

John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, is perhaps the most directly associated with cigars. Kennedy favored the Cuban H. Upmann Petit Corona and enjoyed sharing cigars with his father, Ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy. However, it was during Kennedy's presidency that the Cuba crisis unfolded, leading to the signing of the Cuban trade embargo. Before the embargo took effect, Kennedy directed his press secretary to acquire as many Cuban cigars as possible, resulting in an estimated 1,200 cigars in the White House. This decision had a lasting impact on the availability of Cuban cigars in the United States.

Richard Nixon: The Last Openly Cigar-Friendly President

During the Nixon administration, cigars were still openly enjoyed at the White House. President Richard Nixon did not regularly smoke, but he would light up a cigar with guests after official dinners. This marked the last time cigars were offered during such events at the White House.

Bill Clinton: Unlit Cigars and Controversy

President Bill Clinton, the 42nd president, often appeared in photos with unlit cigars in his mouth. However, his presidency is most remembered for the controversy surrounding his affair with Monica Lewinsky, which involved the inappropriate use of a cigar. It was also during Clinton's administration that smoking was banned in the White House, and ashtrays were removed in later years.

George W. Bush: Cautious about Public Cigar Smoking

President George W. Bush, the 43rd president, like Clinton, was cautious about being seen smoking cigars in public. While he did enjoy cigars, he kept his indulgence private during his time in office.

Throughout the history of the United States, many presidents have enjoyed smoking cigars. From James Madison to George W. Bush, cigars have been a part of presidential culture and relaxation. Whether it was a way to unwind, socialize, or make a statement, cigars have played a role in the lives of several U.S. presidents.

While smoking habits and societal views on tobacco have changed over time, the tradition of cigars among U.S. presidents remains an intriguing aspect of their legacies.

• Which president smoked the most cigars? Ulysses S. Grant is believed to have been the president who smoked the most cigars. As a Union general during the Civil War, he would smoke up to 20 cigars a day.
• Who was the first president to smoke cigars? James Madison, the fourth president, is thought to be one of the earliest presidents to enjoy cigars. He grew tobacco and smoked 'seegars' until his death.
• Did any presidents smoke Cuban cigars? Yes, several presidents, including John F. Kennedy and Calvin Coolidge, enjoyed Cuban cigars. However, the availability of Cuban cigars in the United States has been limited due to trade restrictions.
• Which president banned smoking in the White House? It was during the Clinton administration that smoking was banned in the White House, and ashtrays were removed in later years.

Overall, the cigar habits of U.S. presidents offer a fascinating glimpse into their personal lives and the cultural significance of cigars throughout American history.

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