Though a lot of people don't know his name, plenty of Americans know Pete Souza's images. As the official photographer of White House photographer, Souza's pictures of the First Family and their travels have defined the Obama administration -- but more than that, he's part of a legacy of Presidential photographers who have captured the lives, both public and private, of the leaders of the free world. These photojournalists have traditionally been permitted unparalleled access to these most guarded of men, snapping images of their hardships, their happiest days, and the many small moments in between.
Thanks to careful documentation by the Library of Congress, the U.S. National Archives, and various other archival societies, many images of previous Presidents -- both by those whose jobs it was to capture their time in office, and by the media members and even regular people who have documented them with their own cameras throughout history -- are searchable in online databases. These photos lend intimate details to the life and job of being the President.
In honor of Presidents' Day, which is this Monday, here are some images of those who have held the office, dating back to Abraham Lincoln.
[caption id="attachment_12414" align="alignnone" width="640"]
Image via the SMU Central University Library[/caption]
Family photos are a Presidential staple. Here's President Theodore Roosevelt with his family via 1907.
[caption id="attachment_12415" align="alignnone" width="482"]
Image via the National Archives[/caption]
And here's President Lincoln with his son Tad in 1860.
[caption id="attachment_12416" align="alignnone" width="600"]
Image via the National Archives[/caption]
...But they're not always so serious. Here's President Jimmy Carter's family Christmas card from 1978.
[caption id="attachment_12407" align="alignnone" width="620"]
Image via the Smithsonian[/caption]
Presidential pets are always a favorite. Here's a photo by Martin Gruber of President Woodrow Wilson's flock of sheep, circa 1920.
[caption id="attachment_12408" align="alignnone" width="579"]
Image via the U.S. National Archives[/caption]
Here, President Bush's dog, Spot, provides comfort during a difficult time.
[caption id="attachment_12409" align="alignnone" width="640"]
Image via the National Archives[/caption]
The Clinton family was particularly enamored with their animals. Here's Bill Clinton with Socks the cat.
[caption id="attachment_12410" align="alignnone" width="610"]
Image via the National Archives[/caption]
...And here's Socks with First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton.
[caption id="attachment_12412" align="alignnone" width="640"]
Image via the National Archives[/caption]
The Clintons also had a dog named Buddy.
[caption id="attachment_12411" align="alignnone" width="640"]
Image via DCPL Commons[/caption]
Pauline the cow was the pet of President William Howard Taft.
[caption id="attachment_12418" align="alignnone" width="600"]
Image via Florida Memory[/caption]
Publicity events are a necessary part of being the President. In 1929, Calvin Coolidge traveled to Florida and was given a grapefruit.
[caption id="attachment_12419" align="alignnone" width="640"]
Image via the National Archives of the Netherlands[/caption]
...While Theodore Roosevelt traveled to Sudan and rode camels.
[caption id="attachment_12420" align="alignnone" width="640"]
Image via the National Archives[/caption]
In the 2001 World Series, President Bush threw out the first pitch. Under his jacket, he wore a bulletproof vest.
[caption id="attachment_12421" align="alignnone" width="640"]
Image via the National Archives[/caption]
Sometimes, the visitors come right to the President. This photo shows John F. Kennedy entertaining children celebrating Halloween in the Oval Office.
Image via the SMU Central University Library[/caption]
Family photos are a Presidential staple. Here's President Theodore Roosevelt with his family via 1907.
[caption id="attachment_12415" align="alignnone" width="482"] Image via the National Archives[/caption]
And here's President Lincoln with his son Tad in 1860.
[caption id="attachment_12416" align="alignnone" width="600"] Image via the National Archives[/caption]
...But they're not always so serious. Here's President Jimmy Carter's family Christmas card from 1978.
[caption id="attachment_12407" align="alignnone" width="620"]
Image via the Smithsonian[/caption]
Presidential pets are always a favorite. Here's a photo by Martin Gruber of President Woodrow Wilson's flock of sheep, circa 1920.
[caption id="attachment_12408" align="alignnone" width="579"] Image via the U.S. National Archives[/caption]
Here, President Bush's dog, Spot, provides comfort during a difficult time.
[caption id="attachment_12409" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via the National Archives[/caption]
The Clinton family was particularly enamored with their animals. Here's Bill Clinton with Socks the cat.
[caption id="attachment_12410" align="alignnone" width="610"] Image via the National Archives[/caption]
...And here's Socks with First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton.
[caption id="attachment_12412" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via the National Archives[/caption]
The Clintons also had a dog named Buddy.
[caption id="attachment_12411" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via DCPL Commons[/caption]
Pauline the cow was the pet of President William Howard Taft.
[caption id="attachment_12418" align="alignnone" width="600"] Image via Florida Memory[/caption]
Publicity events are a necessary part of being the President. In 1929, Calvin Coolidge traveled to Florida and was given a grapefruit.
[caption id="attachment_12419" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via the National Archives of the Netherlands[/caption]
...While Theodore Roosevelt traveled to Sudan and rode camels.
[caption id="attachment_12420" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via the National Archives[/caption]
In the 2001 World Series, President Bush threw out the first pitch. Under his jacket, he wore a bulletproof vest.
[caption id="attachment_12421" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via the National Archives[/caption]
Sometimes, the visitors come right to the President. This photo shows John F. Kennedy entertaining children celebrating Halloween in the Oval Office.