A President Kept an Alligator in the White House Bathroom

John Quincy Adams received some unusual gifts during his presidency, but none quite as bizarre as an alligator. The Marquis de Lafayette presented the reptile to Adams after a trip to Florida. Rather than refuse the unusual pet, Adams reportedly kept it in the White House bathtub in the East Room for several months. He enjoyed showing it off to guests, who were often startled to find the creature snapping its jaws at them. The alligator eventually outstayed its welcome and was relocated.