John Quincy Adams

Democratic-RepublicanMassachusetts

Son of a president, later served in Congress

Last verified: June 2026

~1 min read · 185 words

Key Facts

Term: 1825–1829
Party: Democratic-Republican
Vice President: John C. Calhoun
First Lady: Louisa Adams
Home State: Massachusetts
Born: 1767
Died: 1848

Biography

John Quincy Adams was born in 1767 in Braintree, Massachusetts, the son of President John Adams.

Adams won the contentious 1824 election despite losing both the popular and electoral votes to Andrew Jackson.

After losing his reelection bid, Adams did something unprecedented: he returned to Washington as a congressman and served with distinction for 17 years, becoming a fierce opponent of slavery.

Key Events & Accomplishments

Won the presidency through the House of Representatives after the disputed 1824 election
Proposed an ambitious program of internal improvements
Signed the Tariff of 1828 ("Tariff of Abominations")
After presidency, served 17 years in Congress fighting against slavery
Defended the Amistad captives before the Supreme Court (1841)

Election Results

Year	Opponent	Electoral Vote	Popular Vote
1824	Andrew Jackson, William Crawford, Henry Clay	84-99 (won in House)	Lost popular vote by ~10%

Notable Quotes

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”

“Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air.”

Did You Know?

He is the only president to serve in Congress after leaving the White House.
Adams reportedly liked to skinny-dip in the Potomac River each morning.
He was the first president to be photographed (a daguerreotype taken in 1843, after his presidency).

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