When we think about the top presidents in American History, we tend to think of names like Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Washington. Their strong leadership and powerful policies are quite notable. But among these celebrities, there are also the hidden heroes; presidents whose accomplishments are often overlooked by the public. Let’s examine the lives and contributions of three of the most underappreciated American presidents whose impact has greatly affected American Society.

First up, John Quincy Adams. As the sixth president of the United States and the son of one of our founding fathers, JQA had a legacy to live up to. Adams’ presidency is usually disregarded because of his legendary father John Adams, and the imposing Andrew Jackson. But during his term, he accomplished a great deal. He was a strong supporter of domestic advancements, leading the effort of the construction of roads and canals, and establishing a blueprint for future leaders to build off. Furthermore, his unwavering opposition to slavery fueled the ongoing abolition movement in the US, which fundamentally changed the moral climate of the country. Although Adams is consistently ranked around 20th all-time, he should be given more credit because of his persistence, moral character, and dedication to justice. 

We now move on to the 19th President of the United States, Rutherford B. Hayes. Most recently, in 2021, Hayes was ranked as the 33rd best President in US history, among the worst of the worst. I think this is completely unfair, as we must examine the challenges he faced while in office. Hayes was the third president after the end of the Civil War and had to clean up the mess that Andrew Johnson left behind with the help of Ulysses Grant. Hayes and Grant had very similar presidencies, where they needed to repair a divided country. But Grant is ranked 20th, and Hayes is 33rd. Of course, Hayes does not have the status of being a war hero like Grant, but as President, he did many great things. He appointed several black officials to government positions and pushed for educational equality. After the Panic of 1873, Hayes stabilized the economy and provided for America during a time of need. In my opinion, Hayes receives a lot of unnecessary hate and should be widely regarded as a strong, influential president. 

Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States, is the last person we will discuss. Coolidge was a president frequently written off as a dull and unimpressive leader. But under his leadership, tax cuts, and minimal government involvement helped the American economy thrive and prosper at a rate never seen before. Coolidge’s laissez-faire attitude toward the economy set the stage for the Roaring Twenties, a decade marked by massive economic growth and cultural vibrance. Even though Coolidge’s underappreciated presidency may have resulted from his reserved manner, his leadership during a crucial time in American history is worth noting.