11 Historical Figures Who Surprisingly Had Tattoos!
Summary
Today having a tattoo is no big deal. Millions of people have them and they are more fashionable and accepted than ever before.
It seems almost every celebrity sports some form of body art and tattoos are constantly in the public eye, but did you know the who's who of today are not the trend setters when it comes to ink. Yep, some of histories most famous people sported a little tattoo every now and then, and you'll be surprised to find out who. Yes, even presidents and kings have tattoos! Here are 11 historical figures who surprisingly had tattoos!!
Andrew Jackson's Tattoo
You may wonder if any president ever had a tattoo? The answer is yes! Jackson was the 7th President of the USA and the first to sport a tattoo. Known for his fiery temper and tall stature Andrew Jackson wore a large Tomahawk tattoo on his inner thigh!!
Barry Goldwater's Tattoo
Another influential man with tattoos, Arizona senator Barry Goldwater played a major role in the resurgence of the American Conservative political movement. He was also a supporter of Native Americans and on his left hand had a crescent moon and four dots tattooed, a symbol of the 'Smoki People', an Arizona organization dedicated to preserving Native American culture.
Theodore Roosevelt's Tattoo
Another president with tattoos! Teddy Roosevelt is one of the most iconic US Presidents ever, a bold politician and grand outdoors-man. It has long been rumored that TR wore a large family crest on his chest.
Thomas Edison's Tattoo
Tattooing owes a lot to the great Edison, his invention of the electric pen was used by Samuel O'Reilly to create the first electric tattoo machine. Though it seems Edison may have tried the pen on himself while tinkering with it, on his arm he had small five dots tattooed. Quite a historical figure with tattoos!
Winston Churchill's Tattoo
He lead Britain through WWII and remains today a national hero. A sturdy and proud man it's not really a surprise he opted for a classic anchor tattoo which he wore on his forearm.
Lady Randolph Churchill's Tattoo
Socialite and mother of Winston Churchill, Lady Randolph, like her son, explored the art of tattooing. Wrapped around her wrist was a snake tattoo that when needed could be covered by a bracelet or sleeve.
Tsar Nicholas II's Tattoo
While visiting Japan in 1891 to improve Russo-Japanese relations Nicholas got himself a souvenir in the form of a brightly colored dragon tattoo on his arm. He also survived an assassination attempt while there, quite the trip really...
George Orwell's Tattoos
The author of 1984 Orwell is regarded as one of the 20th centuries finest writers. But did you know in his youth he spent time working for as a Colonial policeman in Burma, it was there he got a blue dot tattooed on each knuckle which were said to protect the wearer.
Dorothy Parker's Tattoo
A quick witted and sharp-tongued writer Parker had quite the career. She also had a small star tattooed below her elbow, a memento of nightout in New York!!
Archduke Franz Ferdinand's Tattoo
The assassination of Ferdinand sparked the beginning of WWI, but when he wasn't being assassinated he spent his time travelling the world and on a visit to Japan he acquired a colorful dragon tattoo on his arm.
King Frederick IX of Denmark's Tattoos
King Frederick led his country for 25 years, he also had a number of badass tattoos!! Covering his arms and chest Frederick's old school ink is something all monarchs should embrace! We want more queens and kings with tattoos!
