Painting of John Quincy Adams on Tiber Creek (original) (raw)

Main Content

Painting by Peter Waddell

"Tiber Creek: The Bathers. John Quincy Adams Takes a Deadly Chance, 1825." Despite its later reputation as a swamp, the Tiber Creek, which in the nineteenth-century ran along where Constitution Avenue runs today, was idyllic with extensive plants and wildlife including the now extinct Carolina Parakeet. President John Quincy Adams liked to swim in its quiet waters. During this particular adventure with his son, John, and servant, Antoine Giusta, the boat carrying the party was leaky and began filling with water, leaving the president fighting for his life in the river! Luckily he reached the opposite shore, only to wait several hours for rescue.

Date of Work

2009

Credit

White House Historical Association

You Might Also Like

• 
  Collection
  The Carter White House 1977 - 1981
  On January 20, 1977, Jimmy Carter was inaugurated as the thirty-ninth president of the United States. During his time in the White House (1977–81), President Carter made many decisions guided by his fundamental commitment to peace and democratic values, emphasizing human and civil rights above all else. Putting these ideals into practice, President Carter negotiated the Camp David Accords, secured the release of Am
• 
  Collection
  The 2024 White House Christmas Ornament
  Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament. These unique collectibles — honoring individual presidents or specific White House anniversaries — have become part of the holiday tradition for millions of American families. In this collection, explore the history behind our 2024 design and learn more about President Jimmy Carter. Buy the
• 
  Podcast
  The History of State Funerals
  Featuring Michael Wagner and Retired Major General Galen B. Jackman
• 
  Podcast
  Remembering President Lincoln: 160th Anniversary
  Featuring Paul R. Tetreault and Anthea M. Hartig
• 
  Podcast
  The Honey Fitz: A Presidential Yacht
  Featuring Charles Modica, Captain Gregory Albritton, and Captain Katelyn Kiefer
• 
  Collection
  The Ford White House 1974 - 1977
  Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr., the nation’s only unelected president and vice president, served thirteen terms in Congress before rising to national attention in 1973, when President Richard Nixon nominated him as vice president. Less than a year later, Ford became president, following President Nixon's resignation from office. The Fords made and celebrated history during their time in the White House, fr
• 
  Collection
  The 2023 White House Christmas Ornament
  Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament. These unique collectibles — honoring individual presidents or specific White House anniversaries — have become part of the holiday tradition for millions of American families. In this collection, explore the history behind our 2023 design and learn more about President Gerald R. Ford. Buy
• 
  Collection
  Preservation of the White House
  In the 1960s, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy oversaw the task of restoring the White House interiors and thus founded the White House Historical Association to enhance the understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of the Executive Mansion. As a part of our mission, the Association provides financial support for acquisitions, refurbishing projects, and preservation initiatives of the White House, which involves collaboration
• 
  Podcast
  Dinner with the President
  Featuring Alex Prud’homme, bestselling author and great-nephew of cooking legend Julia Child
• 
  Podcast
  Becoming FDR: The Personal Crisis That Made a President
  Featuring Jonathan Darman, author of “Becoming FDR: The Personal Crisis That Made a President"
• 
  Podcast
  250 Years of American Political Leadership
  Featuring Iain Dale, award-winning British author and radio and podcast host
• 
  Podcast
  The History of Wine and the White House
  Featuring Frederick J. Ryan, author of “Wine and the White House: A History" and member of the White House Historical Association’s National Council on White House History
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•