From Washington to Kennedy: A History of Presidential Cigar Smoking

Presidential Smokes: A Look at U.S. Presidents Who Loved Cigars

In the annals of American history, some of the most influential figures are known not only for their political prowess but also for their personal habits. Among these, the cigar has held a special place in the hearts of many U.S. Presidents, becoming a symbol of power, relaxation, and even diplomacy. From the early days of the Republic to the mid-20th century, several Commanders-in-Chief were avid cigar smokers, each with their own unique preferences and rituals. Let’s take a closer look at some of these iconic figures and the cigars they enjoyed.

1. George Washington: The First Smoker

George Washington, the first President of the United States, was known for his love of cigars, particularly imported ones. Washington's fondness for cigars was so well-known that he even wrote about it in his personal diaries. The President was often seen enjoying his cigars while taking long carriage rides or relaxing at Mount Vernon, his plantation home in Virginia.

Washington preferred large, hand-rolled cigars made from tobacco grown in the West Indies. It is also believed that he had a particular liking for cigars from Cuba, which was renowned for its tobacco at the time. His habit of smoking cigars was considered quite fashionable and somewhat rebellious, given the early years of the republic when cigars were still an acquired taste among Americans.

2. Abraham Lincoln: A Humble Cigar Enthusiast

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President and one of the most revered figures in American history, had a complicated relationship with cigars. Lincoln was known to smoke cigars frequently during his time in office, often with a relaxed and informal air. His cigars were usually cheap and made from the locally sourced tobacco, which was indicative of his simple, down-to-earth personality.

Although Lincoln was a casual cigar smoker, he was also known for keeping a stockpile of cigars in his office, and some of his contemporaries described him as “never without a cigar in his hand.” Despite his preference for budget-friendly cigars, Lincoln’s smoking habits did not hinder his ability to lead the country through one of its most tumultuous periods.

3. Ulysses S. Grant: A Fierce Cigar Smoker

Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States and a renowned Union general during the Civil War, was perhaps one of the most famous cigar smokers in presidential history. Grant was rarely seen without a cigar in hand, and he was known to smoke up to 20 cigars a day, sometimes even smoking while riding his horse or during public appearances.

Grant's cigar of choice was often a medium-sized, thick cigar, which he would light and puff on while he made important decisions. He preferred cigars that were strong in flavor, possibly reflecting his own fierce, determined personality. His smoking habit was so ingrained in his daily routine that it became part of his public image, with Grant being frequently depicted with a cigar in his mouth.

4. Theodore Roosevelt: A Symbol of Robustness

Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President and one of the most dynamic figures in American history, was another avid cigar smoker. Roosevelt’s cigars were an extension of his energetic and boisterous personality. He was known for his large cigars, which were often thick and robust—just like the man himself.

Roosevelt’s cigars became a symbol of his larger-than-life character, and he even smoked them during high-profile moments. He was often seen with a cigar in his hand while giving speeches or overseeing the construction of the Panama Canal. His fondness for cigars was so significant that they were part of the visual narrative of his presidency, often appearing in political cartoons and public imagery.

5. John F. Kennedy: The Cuban Cigar Connoisseur

Perhaps no U.S. President is more famous for his love of cigars than John F. Kennedy. The 35th President of the United States was a lifelong cigar enthusiast, with a particular fondness for Cuban cigars, which were renowned for their superior quality and craftsmanship.

In fact, just before signing the Cuban trade embargo into law in 1962, Kennedy ordered 1,000 Cuban cigars from his favorite tobacconist, a man named Eugene, ensuring that he could still enjoy his prized cigars even after the embargo took effect. JFK preferred the smooth, rich flavor of the Havana cigars, which matched his refined taste and diplomatic demeanor. His image was often associated with a cigar in hand, becoming an iconic part of his public persona.

6. Bill Clinton: The Reluctant Smoker

Though not as famous for cigars as the others on this list, Bill Clinton, the 42nd President, was known to indulge in cigars during his younger years. While Clinton’s smoking habits were not as frequent as those of his predecessors, he became infamous for his brief foray into cigar use during his presidency.

Clinton’s connection to cigars came to light during the Monica Lewinsky scandal, which involved the famous cigar in an intimate setting. Though the incident became a defining moment in Clinton’s presidency, it also added a layer of intrigue to the connection between U.S. Presidents and cigars. His relationship with cigars, however, was more discreet and less ingrained in his public image compared to the likes of Grant or Kennedy.

Conclusion: A Long Tradition

From George Washington’s cigars to John F. Kennedy’s Cuban favorites, cigars have been a long-standing companion to many U.S. Presidents. These iconic figures, with their individual smoking preferences, contributed to the cultural fabric of their times. Whether it was the cheap cigars of Lincoln, the robust smokes of Roosevelt, or the refined Cuban selections of Kennedy, cigars served as a symbol of leadership, power, and personality.

Though smoking habits have shifted dramatically in modern times, the connection between U.S. Presidents and cigars remains a fascinating part of presidential history, a reminder of a time when the cigar was more than just a smoke—it was an integral part of a leader's image.