Andrew Johnson’s Tailoring Habit
The 17th president continued making his own clothes while in office. During his 1865-1869 term, Johnson would unwind by stitching suits in the White House, a skill from his earlier career as a tailor. Staff members discovered bolts of fabric in his private quarters. This humble practice reflected his rise from poverty to power. Johnson found comfort in this familiar craft while facing the monumental challenges of post-Civil War reconstruction.
