Fun Facts About Millard Fillmore

Millard Fillmore, the 13th president of the United States, served from 1850 to 1853 after Zachary Taylor’s death and is often remembered for his quiet leadership. This self-made man had a life full of interesting twists that kids will find fun and surprising. Here are ten kid-friendly fun facts about Millard Fillmore!

Scroll down for the full list, or check out our Millard Fillmore Activity Book -- 24 pages of fun and educational activities for kids ages 5-10.

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President Millard Fillmore

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Fun Facts About Millard Fillmore

  1. He Grew Up in a Log Cabin
    Fillmore was born in a log cabin in New York in 1800, starting life with little but working hard to become president—proof that anyone can achieve big dreams!
  2. He Never Went to College
    Unlike many presidents, Fillmore didn’t attend college but taught himself by reading books, showing kids the power of learning on their own!
  3. He Installed the First White House Library
    Fillmore brought the first bathtub and a real library to the White House, filling it with books for everyone to enjoy—a gift for book lovers!
  4. He Loved Sending Books as Gifts
    Fillmore enjoyed giving books to friends and even donated his personal collection to libraries, proving he was a true bookworm.
  5. He Had a Pet Eagle
    As president, Fillmore kept an eagle as a pet, symbolizing America, and kids might imagine it soaring around the White House lawn!
  6. He Signed the Compromise of 1850
    Fillmore helped pass laws to balance tensions between free and slave states, a big deal that shaped the country’s history.
  7. He Was a Tailor Before Politics
    Before becoming president, Fillmore worked as a tailor, making clothes—a skill that might inspire kids to try sewing!
  8. He Married His Teacher
    Fillmore fell in love with and married his schoolteacher, Abigail Powers, showing a sweet side to his story that kids might find romantic.
  9. He Ran for President Again—and Lost
    After leaving office, Fillmore ran for president in 1856 with a new party but didn’t win, teaching kids about perseverance.
  10. He Lived to See the Civil War
    Fillmore lived until 1874, long enough to see the Civil War begin, giving him a front-row seat to a major moment in history!
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