who was the first president to have a christmastree in the white house?

Answer 1

As the conflicting answers have suggested, there is some confusion about what Franklin Pierce did in this regard. The White House Historical Society does not even mention him, but jumps right to Benjamin Harrison. How to reconcile these claims?

Apparently like this:

a) in 1856 Franklin Pierece was the first to bring a Christmas tree into the White House - apparently a sort of ad hoc act, for a group of Washington Sunday School children

b) the first planned and official use of a Christmas tree in the White House was when Benjamin Harrison and his family set up and decorated a family tree there in 1889. THIS was the beginning of the TRADITION.

So, if you're asking who first did it, in any sense, the answer is Pierce. If you're asking about the planned act and beginning of a formal tradition, it's Benjamin Harrison.

http://www.hhnursery.com/news/6/51/
http://www.funtrivia.com/askft/Question7954.html
http://www.firstladies.org/Newsletters-Winter1999.htm
http://www.naturehills.com/new/product/the_white_house_christmas_tree.aspx

Answer 2

In 1856 Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, was the first President to place a Christmas tree in the White House.

Answer 3

Benjamin Harrison, in 1889.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/holiday/2002/whtree.html

Answer 4

Benjamin Harrison in 1889.

Answer 5

Franklin Pierce of course.

Answer 6

Benjamin Harrison

but unlike Jack (above) I didn't have to look my answer up on-line. ;-)