How many presidents have had slaves with them while in office?

The United States may have been founded on the idea that all men are created equal, but during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, slaveholding was common among the statesmen who served as president. read more

The antebellum presidents from Southern states all owned slaves while in office: 1. George Washington 2. Thomas Jefferson 3. James Madison 4. James Monroe 5. Andrew Jackson 6. read more

George Washington was the first president to own slaves, including while he was president. Zachary Taylor was the last president to own slaves during his presidency, and Ulysses S. Grant was the last president to have owned a slave at some point in his life. read more

By 1786 he owned 216 slaves. (Flexner, P.114) While George Washington was serving as President in Philadelphia a Pennsylvania law was passed freeing slaves whose owners had been citizens of the state for six months. George Washington sent his two most valuable slaves home, telling them it was for his wife’s convenience. read more