Did Three US Presidents Really Die On The 4th Of July?
Holding the office of President of the United States of America is a prestigious achievement that few in history have accomplished. Though presidents and world leaders are often seen as strong, brave, and somewhat invincible people, when the truth is out they are mortal, like the rest of us. While there have been a handful of U.S. presidents who have died while in office, the majority have died after leaving their post. Once they leave office, many are often still revered members of American society. The death is international news. It's even bigger news when they pass on the same day (per The Constitution Center), as happened with three of America's Founding Fathers.
According to the White House website, John Adams was a writer, attorney, politician, the nation's first vice president, and second president of the United States. He was a driving force during the American Revolution and therefore was an integral part of laying the foundation for the new country. He was elected president in 1796, after George Washington chose not to seek a third term. As the National Park Service relates, Adams had a bit of a rough go of things during his term, with constant conflicts abroad and at home with his own political party. The division in his own party ultimately cost him his re-election bid in 1800. Twenty-six years later, on July 4,1826, Adams died at the age of 90.
Adams, Jefferson, and Monroe all died on a significant day
Thomas Jefferson was the literal definition of a Renaissance man, as you would be hard pressed to find something that this man couldn't do or learn (via History). Among his most legendary gifts were his writing skills, and those talents resulted in him being asked to draft the Declaration of Independence. Following his work with the Second Continental Congress, he pursued a political career that included being the governor of Virginia and George Washington's secretary of state. Jefferson was elected president in 1800 and 1804, following his predecessor, John Adams. After he left office, he spent his time continuing to pursue his many interests at Monticello, where he died on July 4, 1826. Jefferson and Adams died on the same day, just hours apart, on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
As another History article explains, James Monroe was a lawyer and politician who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Following his military service, he studied under Thomas Jefferson and became a delegate to the Continental Congress. He also later served as a U.S. senator, governor of Virginia, and secretary of state before he was elected president in 1816. He was also subsequently elected to a second term before he left office in 1825. Monroe died on July 4, 1831, five years after Jefferson and Adams.