Which US States Produce the Most Impactful Presidents?
Some may be a surprise, others certainly will not be
Before we begin, a few criteria:
No presidents after 2000 will be included.
The ranking will be based on state of birth (or colony).
Influence takes into account impact and legacy on their time period and modern America.
This list is not the definitive BEST presidents list. It is just the ones I deem as having the most influence on American history.
The Top Five
5. Massachusetts
Massachusetts serves as the birth state to four presidents, two early and two modern.
- John Adams, 2nd President
The father of the first real presidential family had an illustrious political career. John Adams was central to the rebellion of New England that preceded the Revolution, and he was and still is one of the most well-remembered players in the Continental Congress serving as a strong supporter of independence from Great Britain. However, Adams’ presidency is not remembered fondly in many historians’ eyes. Adams was a Federalist, but he was not as partisan as many of his contemporaries, which led to an underwhelming presidency resulting in his isolation of beliefs. Despite these shortcomings, Adams’ wife, Abigail, contributed greatly to his legacy. Abigail was one of the first well-known vocal feminists and a great advisor to the president. Historians go back and forth with Adams’ time in office, but regardless of his presidential stint, he is still one of the most influential Americans of the Revolution (And he was the only non-Virginian in the first five presidents).
- John Quincy Adams, 6th President
John Quincy was the son of former president John Adams. From a young age, John Quincy was hyper intelligent, some even say a genius. Before becoming president, John Quincy was quite involved in politics. He was a foreign diplomat helping to negotiate the Treaty of Ghent, ending the War of 1812 and served as the Secretary of State under James Monroe where he composed the Monroe Doctrine. His time as Secretary helped propel him into the presidency. However, during the race of 1824, John Quincy lost in popular vote to Andrew Jackson, but Jackson failed to garner the needed electoral votes to win. The race was subsequently decided by the House after the “Corrupt Bargain” between John Quincy and Senator Henry Clay. His presidency historically is regarded as unsuccessful, but it was not entirely the fault of his own doing. Jacksonian supporters blocked nearly everything John Quincy attempted to do. Following his presidency, John Quincy was an outspoken abolitionist and a voice against the Mexican-American War.
- John F. Kennedy, 35th President
The first of the “modern” presidents to crack this list. JFK is, along with Lincoln and Washington, one of the most well-known presidents despite his short term. JFK was a member of the House and Senate before taking the presidential office. During his campaign, his debates with Richard Nixon were the first to be televised which alone cements him in history. On top of this, JFK took office during a turbulent time in American History. He helped guide the United States through the Cuban Missile Crisis and stood firm against the Soviet Union, while also supporting the Space Race competition with the Soviets. Moreover, JFK championed much of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, leading to its signing by Lyndon Johnson.
- George H.W. Bush, 41st President
I was surprised to see that the elder Bush was born in Massachusetts given that Texas is practically synonymous with the Bush family. I had totally forgotten this factoid. Bush won his race for the presidency largely on the heels of his predecessor Ronald Reagan. Despite this, Bush was a very qualified candidate and used his presidency to invest in many foreign affairs such as the Gulf War and overseeing the fall of the Soviet Union.
4. Ohio
Ohio’s place on this list comes from the sheer number of presidents that have been born in the Buckeye State (seven in total). Though many of them led rather forgettable times in office, there are still key components of American History embedded within their terms.
- Ulysses S. Grant, 18th President
Grant’s impacts and historical relevance were pretty well set in stone following the Civil War. For most Americans, if they were to name a general during the Civil War, Grant would be the one that comes to mind; we all know the story of Grant and Robert E. Lee at Appomattox in 1865. Despite his military excellence, Grant’s presidency was marked with controversy and remains so today. The general had no real political training before stepping into office, but he did usher in Reconstruction of the South following the Johnson Administration. Additionally, Grant was one of the few to take on improving the rights of African-Americans at the time.
- Rutherford B. Hayes, 19th President
Hayes was a one-term post Civil War president. His administration put an official end to Reconstruction, as well as fostered in a resurgence of the US economy. Hayes is often credited for his positive personal character, but he did very little to improve conditions for Native Americans, a popular subject at the time.
- James A. Garfield, 20th President
The third Ohio Republican in a row, Garfield was a rags to riches story, building a name for himself through military service and early political endeavors before winning the 1880 election. Once president, Garfield’s tenure only lasted a few months before he was shot and succumbed to his injuries. But during his time in office, he did make strides to combat corruption in the Republican Party and strengthen presidential powers.
- Benjamin Harrison, 23rd President
Benjamin Harrison was the grandson of William Henry Harrison, the 9th president. Benjamin too, like many of the post-war presidents, built a name for himself through military service and politics. Harrison’s presidency, while often forgotten, did include a few notable events. He was the president who split Grover Cleveland’s terms, he oversaw the beginnings of the annexation of Hawaii, expansion of the US Navy, heavy tariffs, and an economic collapse, all of which have had lasting effects on American policy, government, and our way of life.
- William McKinley, 25th President
The last president to take office before the turn of the century was William McKinley. McKinley, like many of his predecessors, built his reputation through the military, law, and Congress. When McKinley was elected in 1896 his platform was heavily invested in propelling the US Gold Standard to prominence, a feat that he accomplished in 1900 through the Gold Standard Act. McKinley’s time in office also was marked by the Spanish-American War, the annexing of the Hawaiian Islands, and the Boxer Rebellion in China. He was assassinated at the beginning of his second term.
- William H. Taft, 27th President
Taft was the perfect successor to Theodore Roosevelt, which launched him into the White House in 1909. During his presidency, Taft’s Administration saw the implementation of railroad regulations, tariffs, and increased investments in Latin America and Asia which had lasting effects on US foreign policy. However, Taft’s time as president is not viewed in a particularly positive light; he was largely indecisive and a lackluster leader infatuated with law. Despite his presidential shortcomings, Taft did accomplish his goal of being appointed to the Supreme Court after his presidency, securing his name in history and putting to use his love of law.
- Warren G. Harding, 29th President
Harding’s name is most associated with the scandal of his time in office, Teapot Dome. Harding was a staunch businessman whose administration was caught up in bribery and lies. Aside from just corruption, his administration was invested in protective tariffs and rejecting the notion of the League of Nations suggested by his predecessor, Woodrow Wilson. Harding died just two years into his term but is thought of by many as one of the most corrupt and worst presidents of American History.
3. Kentucky
Despite only having one president, Kentucky takes a spot on this list for the enormity that is Lincoln’s legacy.
- Abraham Lincoln, 16th President
Like George Washington, if you were to ask any student in the United States or potentially even abroad to name a single US president, chances are they would say Abraham Lincoln. Honest Abe came from humble beginnings and climbed the political ladder, leaving behind countless historical legacies. In my home state of Illinois, Lincoln is THE president, and it shows almost everywhere you go. Even though the majority of Abe’s early political action was in Illinois, Kentucky lays claim to his birthplace. Little needs to be said to explain the legacy left on the United States during Lincoln’s time in office, but between being the Union’s figurehead throughout the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, and countless other presidential activities, Lincoln rightfully carries Kentucky to the number three spot on my list.
2. New York
The state of New York has always been and still is one of the powerhouses of American politics. The empire state has been the birthplace of five US presidents, one of which will not be covered here (Donald J. Trump was elected after 2000, so he does not qualify for this list). However, two of the five carry most of the historical impact that New York presidents have had on America.
- Martin Van Buren, 8th President
Martin Van Buren was the first US president who grew up with a primary language other than English — his being Dutch. Similarly, he is the first president without majority English heritage. The little magician, as he was known, rose to the office of president following the wild popularity of Andrew Jackson among Democratic supporters. Van Buren’s policies promised a continuation of Jackson’s, a reality that led to a continuation of the Indian Removal Act and the Trail of Tears. Additionally, Van Buren’s time in office oversaw the economic turmoil through the Panic of 1837, which he hardly thwarted.
- Millard Fillmore, 13th President
Fillmore took over after the death of Zachary Taylor in 1850. His rise to prominence was marked by a powerful career as a politician from Up-State New York. Fillmore’s presidency kicked off with the signing of the Compromise of 1850, which centered around the topic of the expansion of slavery into western regions, many of which were acquired after the Mexican-American War. The Compromise delayed the Civil War by a decade, but did little to nothing to improve relations between northerners and southerners. Fillmore also replaced the Taylor supporters in his party with his own, culminating in the Whig Party denying an attempt at reelection.
- Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President
Following the assassination of William McKinley, Teddy stepped into office. His time there saw the creation of five national parks, numerous wildlife sanctuaries, and expanded federally protected lands. He also mediated the end of the Russo-Japanese War, as well as guaranteeing control of the Panama Canal. While Roosevelt certainly accomplished a lot during his presidency, he also dedicated much of his life to philanthropy and public service, along with prolific writing and authoring of over 30 books. His interesting and eccentric life contributed to countless aspects of American life that are still observed and enjoyed today.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd President
FDR falls into the category of famous presidents alongside names like Washington, Lincoln, and JFK. A relative of Theodore Roosevelt, FDR grew up in a wealthy New York family. Despite being paralyzed by polio, FDR rose to the presidency following Herbert Hoover’s unpopular term and the onset of the Great Depression. Roosevelt’s New Deal outlined numerous social services and programs, many of which are still around today such as Social Security and the FDIC. FDR’s mastery of media influence and strong leadership helped guide Americans through the worst economic depression in American History. Moreover, FDR captained the US through World War II, serving as war-time president until his death in 1945. His legacy arguably has one of the best cases for the most impactful US president of all time.
1. Virginia
If you are up to date on your history, you knew this presidential powerhouse would be here. Virginia is home to four of the first five presidents, as well as four more giving Old Dominion eight in total.
- George Washington, 1st President
There is not much that needs to be said. Washington was the commanding general in the American Revolution, the first president, and first strong leading presence for the new nation. It takes but one pass around your town or city to find at least one road, school, or landmark bearing his name. George Washington is undoubtedly one of the most influential presidents in American history.
- Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President
Unlike Washington, Jefferson did not have a military career, but what he lacked in field experience, he made up for in his prolific writing and international relations, on top of his extraordinarily busy presidency. Little needs to be expanded upon to portray the impact Thomas Jefferson’s life has had on American History. Jefferson’s legacy can also be seen on signage and school names alongside Washington, but what really carries the weight of his legacy is the purchase of the Louisiana Territory. This act expanded the new nation by such a substantial amount that this alone backs Thomas Jefferson’s crucial legacy.
- James Madison, 4th President
Madison, one of my personal favorite presidents, holds a significant legacy even outside of his time as the chief executive. From a young age, Madison was deeply involved in the politics of the budding nation and like his good friend Thomas Jefferson, was a profuse writer. Madison was central to the writing and ratification of the US Constitution and a pivotal figure in the battle for religious freedom. In regard to his political offices, Madison was a busy Secretary of State under Jefferson carrying out his diplomatic duties and assisting in the Louisiana Purchase. During his presidency, Madison guided the country through the challenge of the War of 1812, a war that came to be synonymous with his name.
- James Monroe, 5th President
Monroe rounds out the Virginia Dynasty which saw four of the first five presidents emerging from the Commonwealth. Monroe is the least well-known of the three other dynasty members, but his time in office did see a number of new states added to the Union, as well as increased tensions between the country’s north and south. These rising strains would carry on as effects still felt today and certainly by his successors. Monroe’s time in office culminated in the proclamation that bears his name, The Monroe Doctrine, which had many lasting effects all throughout the Americas.
- William Henry Harrison, 9th President
William Henry Harrison is not known for much aside from being the first president to die in office (The First President to Die in Office). His time as president was only 31 days. Much of Harrison’s legacy came before his time as head executive. Harrison’s heroics are well documented during the War of 1812, serving as a major general fighting in the Northwest Territories (present day Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin). Harrison did also serve in political roles before the presidency as well, becoming Indiana’s first governor.
- John Tyler, 10th President
Tyler was the accidental president never intended to hold the office. When William Henry Harrison died, Tyler took over and led a less-than-stellar term. He supported and began the process of the annexation of Texas, which obviously impacted the future of the United States. He was ultimately denounced by the Whigs and disliked by the Democrats, leading to a tumultuous limbo for the 10th president. One interesting impact that John Tyler leaves behind is not through his political life, but instead through his personal one. Tyler, despite being born in 1790, still has a living grandson in his 90s, as well as other great-grandchildren. This is an almost unimaginable feat for a man born before 1800.
- Zachary Taylor, 12th President
Like William Henry Harrison, Zachary Taylor also died in office. Also like Harrison, Taylor built his career as a war hero, however it was during the Mexican-American War instead of the War of 1812. Taylor was a prominent general who would win the presidency through populist means running within the Whig party. Taylor’s most influential presidential feat came with the beginnings of the Compromise of 1850. This temporary compromise was a major catalyst for the spiral of the next decade into the Civil War, cementing Zachary Taylor into history along with it.
- Woodrow Wilson, 28th President
Wilson is a controversial figure of American History, but it is undeniable that his life left a lasting impact on our modern America. Wilson was the presiding president during World War I, which had lasting effects on the continent of Europe, but it had a key domestic legacy as well. Wilson toured and spoke on his ideas for the League of Nations following the war. Wilson’s presidency also saw the stamp-out of child labor and the expansion of voting rights to women. However, Wilson’s lack of a progressive stance on race relations in America pushed tensions further. Wilson’s time in office really served as a transition point between what the Democratic Party and Republican Party would stand for during the rest of the 1900s.
Honorable Mentions:
Texas
- Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th President
Ike was a war hero and solid president. He implemented our interstate system and sent troops to Little Rock to escort African-American students into Central High School, the first time troops were sent into the South since Reconstruction. He also helped negotiate an armistice to the Korean War.
- Lyndon B. Johnson, 36th President
Johnson took over after JFK’s assassination and got to work on many civil rights campaigns like signing the Civil Rights Act of 1964. He also was instrumental in the involvement of the US in the Vietnam War, sending over 100,000 troops over in 1965.
South Carolina
- Andrew Jackson, 7th President
Despite his obvious flaws in character, Jackson’s military and political life left lasting impacts on American History. From being one of the first true populists to his harsh policy affecting Native Americans, his decisions still leave reminders in today’s world.
Illinois
- Ronald Reagan, 40th President
Reagan has some super fans for sure. He was able to ride in on his popularity and scoop up the pieces left by the disappointments of Jimmy Carter’s term. People were very drawn to his charismatic nature, his tough stance on the Soviet Union, and his take on big government. Many of his ideas and policies linger within older Americans and can still be felt today.
Closing Thoughts
Every single president in American History has left some sort of legacy behind him. Even presidents who served for hardly more than a month (…William Henry Harrison) left behind something to remember. It’s interesting to look back and construct a list like this to semi-assess their impacts. I urge you to try to put together a list like this of your own!
Grant Fuerstenau is a Medical Student at the University of Louisville School of Medicine and the editor of The Biographical Historian.
