Written By: Sarah Norman

In the greater span of American history, numerous presidents have faced unique challenges and made significant contributions, but have been overlooked. Let’s take a closer look at the “Top 10 Most Overlooked U.S. Presidents”:

President Martin Van Buren: Established the independent treasury system, which separated government funds from private banks.

President William Henry Harrison: Served the shortest presidency in U.S. history, dying just 31 days after taking office, but his campaign slogan “Tippecanoe and Tyler Too” helped popularize the Whig Party.

Sarah NormanWho’s The Best and Worst President? Expert Historians Rank Them

According to experts and professional historians, a survey published by CSPAN ranked the best and worst US presidents. The ranking quickly sparked outrage for its perceived shortcomings and subjectivity. Undoubtedly, many Americans disagree with the ranking. Americans have been encouraged to share their thoughts and, most importantly, exercise their right to vote in order for their voices to be heard. In this slideshow, we explore the best and worst US presidents, according to the experts.Getty Images
Ranked #1: Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, is best known for leading the country during the Civil War and for issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that all slaves in the Confederate states would be free.Getty Images
Ranked #2 Best: George Washington: First President of the United States; led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolutionary War and is known as the “Father of His Country.”Getty Images
Ranked #3 Best: Franklin D. Roosevelt: 32nd President of the U.S.; served four terms and led the country through the Great Depression and World War II.Getty Images
Ranked #4 Best: Theodore Roosevelt: 26th President of the U.S.; known for his progressive reforms, conservation efforts, and role in negotiating the end of the Russo-Japanese War.Getty Images
Ranked #5 Best: Dwight D. Eisenhower: 34th President of the U.S.; a five-star general in World War II who oversaw the Allied invasion of Europe and later focused on infrastructure and international diplomacy.Getty Images
Ranked #6 Best: Harry S. Truman: 33rd President of the U.S.; succeeded FDR and made critical decisions during the final stages of World War II, including the use of atomic bombs on Japan.Getty Images
Ranked #7 Best: Thomas Jefferson: 3rd President of the U.S.; principal author of the Declaration of Independence and a key figure in early American history.Getty Images
Ranked #8 Best: John F. Kennedy: 35th President of the U.S.; known for his inspirational speeches, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the early stages of the Space Race.Getty Images
Ranked #9 Best: Ronald Reagan: 40th President of the U.S.; former actor and governor of California, known for conservative policies, economic reforms, and his role in ending the Cold War.Getty Images
Ranked #10 Best: Barack Obama: 44th President of the U.S.; first African American president, known for his signature healthcare reform, economic recovery efforts, and emphasis on social justice.Getty Images
Ranked #1 Worst: James Buchanan: 15th President of the U.S.; his presidency is often criticized for its inability to address the issues leading up to the Civil War, including the tension over slavery.Getty Images
Ranked #2 Worst: Andrew Johnson: 17th President of the U.S.; succeeded Abraham Lincoln and is noted for his contentious Reconstruction policies and impeachment by the House of Representatives.Getty Images
Ranked #3 Worst: Franklin Pierce: 14th President of the U.S.; known for his attempts to address sectional conflicts over slavery, which ultimately failed to prevent the Civil War.Getty Images
Ranked #4 Worst: Donald J. Trump: 45th President of the U.S.; a businessman and television personality who focused on deregulation, tax reform, and an “America First” policy agenda.Getty Images

President John Tyler: Successfully annexed Texas, which was a significant step towards westward expansion.

President Millard Fillmore: Played a key role in the passage of the Compromise of 1850, which aimed to ease tensions between slave and free states.

President James Buchanan: Attempted to maintain peace between the North and South during his presidency, although his efforts are often criticized as ineffective.

President Rutherford B. Hayes: Ended Reconstruction by withdrawing federal troops from the South, which marked a significant shift in U.S. policy.

President Chester A. Arthur: Advocated for and signed the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which aimed to eliminate the spoils system in federal employment.

President William McKinley: Led the nation during the Spanish-American War, resulting in the U.S. acquiring territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

President Warren G. Harding: Promoted a “return to normalcy” after World War I, focusing on economic recovery and stability.

President Herbert Hoover: Initiated the Hoover Dam project, which was a significant achievement in infrastructure and water management.