Presidential Historical Autographs
Many of the greatest collectors in history have focused on Presidential autographs, among them Washington, Lincoln. These historical autographs have been collected since the Washington administration.
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln autographs and historical documents are among the most collected and are always in demand. His letters are known for their great clarity and economy of words, he never using two where one would suffice
Andrew Jackson
Historical documents signed by Andrew Jackson, whether signed in his role as military commander, president, or otherwise, reflect the strength and leadership style for which he is known. His writing is large, bold, and full of energy.
Benjamin Harrison
Harrison's law firm was an early user of the typewriter, so typed letters with the earliest dates are usually his. He sent both typed and autograph letters as President.
Calvin Coolidge
He was the first president born late enough to have spent his entire adulthood in the era of the typewriter. His letters are usually brief, and his autograph letters somewhat uncommon.
Chester A. Arthur
His letters are increasingly scarce, autograph letters as President especially. Most letters date from his time as New York quartermaster during the Civil War and Collector of the Port of New York. He was an excellent and under-rated President.
Dwight Eisenhower
Autographs of Ike are obtainable from throughout his lifetime, with those from during World War II and his presidency generally being most desirable. He could write long, thoughtful and frank letters on history and politics.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt autographs are often warm letters, some of which refer to her husband's attitudes towards life and response to his illness and the pressures of his job. Her humanitarian work can shine through in her correspondence as well.
Franklin Roosevelt
FDR's letters and historical documents are often interesting, and reflect his leadership and the crises he faced, especially the Depression and World War II. Roosevelt's autograph letters are somewhat uncommon.
George H.W. Bush
The 42nd president, he presided over the Gulf War.
George Washington
George Washington autographs have been sought after as long as American autographs have been collected. Signed letters from the Revolution and letters and historical documents during his presidency can be particularly desirable.
Gerald Ford
Autographs of Ford are not uncommon, nor are his signed letters and photographs. As always, content and importance are the differentiating characteristics.
Grover Cleveland
Honest and diligent, he was the only Democrat elected to the presidency in the era of Republican political domination from 1860-1912. His handwriting in his autograph letters signed is very small, but his style is direct and the content often thorough.
Harry Truman
The plain-speaking president whose leadership seems to be better appreciated with each passing year. Among the more actively sought autographs of Truman are those that demonstrate his tenacious spirit and deal with major crises during his term as President.
Herbert Hoover
A noted humanitarian, his pre-presidential signed letters can be lengthy and relate to his work and philosophy. Autograph letters signed as president are uncommon.
Jacqueline Kennedy
First lady who went on to become a celebrity in her own right.
James Buchanan
Buchanan was enmeshed in the antagonism between the North and South, as secession became a fact. His most interesting pieces relate to secession and the factors leading up to the Civil War. Also interesting are letters from his service as Polk's Secretary of State
James Madison
He was a fine author and a master at convincing arguments. Yet he wrote fewer letters than contemporaries such as Jefferson, and many are brief. James Madison autographs relating to his public service or the Constitution are highly sought after.
James Monroe
You can find Monroe historical documents from all periods of his public life. He wrote many autograph letters, and some are full of valuable detail and plain talk. His handwriting is notoriously hard to read.
John Adams
Johns Adams autographs are very collectible. His letters are among the most interesting and spirited of any President, reflecting his ability with the pen and his knowledge of law and history. They are also often quite witty.
John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy autographs are valued for the spirit that his Presidency brought to the country. Signed letters are collected during his time in Congress and the presidency, but collectors need be aware that secretaries were active in signing his name.
John Q. Adams
Secretary of State under James Monroe, John Q. Adams wrote the Monroe Doctrine. He was a visionary, nationalistic president, and spent his later years leading the fight against slavery.
Lyndon B. Johnson
He was a strong leader who managed to secure effective Civil Rights legislation and Great Society programs to help the poor. However, the War in Vietnam ended up undermining his presidency and drove him from office.
Martha Washington
America's 1st First Lady
Millard Fillmore
Fillmore's autograph letters can be unusually frank about his goals, feelings and motivations. Revealing letters can therefore be found relating to the slavery crisis.
Richard Nixon
Controversial figure whose administration was marked by the War in Vietnam and Watergate. Until his retirement, he extensively used secretaries and autopens to sign for him.
Ronald Reagan
The Great Communicator who shifted the American political center of gravity to the conservative side. Reagan's autographs and letters can be rich in content and replete with the vision that permeated his presidency and career.
Rutherford B. Hayes
During his presidency, a telephone came to the White House and a typewriter was installed. His autograph letters cover a wide range of topics and can be interesting and revealing.
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt autographs are actively collected, especially dating from his time as commander of the Rough Riders through his work in leading the Progressive Party. His letters are rich. In the 1890s he used a typewriter, which, he preferred to his own pen.
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson autographs are found from his time as Gov. of Virginia during the Revolution, Ambassador to France, Secretary of State, President, and citizen farmer. Jefferson's letters are diverse, interesting and provide a glimpse into his character.
Ulysses S. Grant
U.S. Grant autographs and historical documents show the General and President at pivotal moments in American history.
Warren Harding
Most of his presidential letters are typed. Some are long and have very interesting content. There are also autograph letters from his Senate term before the presidency.
William Henry Harrison
One of the most successful U.S. generals in the War of 1812, he died after just one month as President. His signed letters as military leader are not uncommon but those as President are very scarce.
William McKinley
The first time McKinley's autographs appear in quantity is during the 1896 campaign. His letters are usually typed and short but his feelings do come through. Material relating to the Spanish-American war is particularly uncommon.
William Taft
President who was happiest as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, his letters are interesting on topics of both politics and law.
Woodrow Wilson
Leader in WWI, he set a tone of idealism in American foreign policy. Interestingly, he typed many of his own policy papers and letters as President, using a small typewriter in the personal quarters of the White House. Autograph letters are not uncommon.
Zachary Taylor
Hero of the Mexican War who, as president, sought a solution to the slavery controversy. His letters are straight shooting and never evasive, though because of his short time in office, those as President are uncommon.