- Van Buren was the first president born after the Declaration of Independence was signed. He was the first president born as a citizen of the U.S.
- The term "It's O.K." came from Van Buren, who grew up in Kinderhook, New York. After he went into politics, he became known by the nickname "Old Kinderhook." Soon people were saying "Is it OK?" reffering to Van Buren, and the word okay was derived.
- Van Buren was the only incumbent President to run for re-election without a vice-presidential running-mate.
- Van Buren was a third cousin twice removed to Theodore Roosevelt.
Van Buren made three unsuccessful bids for reelection.
His autobiography does not mention his wife once.
Van Buren took $100,000, the sum of his salary as president over four years, in a lump sum at the end of his
term.
The only president of Dutch ancestry, Van Buren and his wife spoke Dutch at home.
Martin Van Buren's favorite foods were oysters, doughnuts, raisins, figs, and
apples.
Van Buren owned two tiger cubs as pets.
Van Buren's favorite sport was riding horses.
- He was named after his grandfather, Martin Van Buren.
- When he was Vice President, he presided over the Senate with loaded pistols!
