Fun Facts About William McKinley

William McKinley, the 25th president of the United States, served from 1897 until his assassination in 1901 and led the country during the Spanish-American War. This Ohio native had a life full of charming and unexpected details that kids will find engaging. Here are ten kid-friendly fun facts about William McKinley!

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

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President William McKinley

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Fun Facts About William McKinley

  1. He Loved Ice Cream
    McKinley was crazy about ice cream and always had some at White House dinners—imagine scooping a bowl after a big meal!
  2. He Used a Flower as His Campaign Logo
    McKinley made the red carnation his lucky flower, wearing it pinned to his lapel and turning it into a symbol for his 1896 campaign!
  3. He Was the Shortest President
    At just 5 feet 7 inches tall, McKinley was the shortest president in U.S. history—kids might compare their height to his!
  4. He Won the Election with a Big Marching Band
    His campaign featured huge parades with brass bands playing "When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder," making rallies a musical party!
  5. He Had a Pet Rooster Named Washington
    McKinley kept a colorful rooster named Washington at the White House, and it strutted around like it owned the place!
  6. He Was a Civil War Hero
    As a young soldier, McKinley served bravely in the Civil War, even bringing coffee to tired troops—true battlefield kindness!
  7. He Loved His Wife Deeply
    McKinley doted on his wife, Ida, who had epilepsy, always holding her hand at events to comfort her—a sweet story of love!
  8. He Annexed Hawaii
    McKinley helped make Hawaii part of the U.S. in 1898, adding tropical islands to the map—aloha to a bigger America!
  9. He Was Shot at a Fair
    McKinley was assassinated at the Pan-American Exposition in 1901 while shaking hands with fans, a shocking event kids might hear about in history class!
  10. His Face Is on the $500 Bill
    McKinley’s portrait appears on the rare $500 bill, making him one of the few presidents with such a high-value honor!
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