James Buchanan (American President)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

birthplace

Cove Gap, PA

birthday

April 23

Life

1791-1868

age

OFC:65 , d. 77

party

Democratic

presidency highlights

Failed to resolve split over slavery. South Carolina seceded

nickname:

Old Buck

vice-president:

John Breckinridge

previous office

Minister to the UK

key background fact:

Had tried 3 times to be party’s candidate but was passed over

occupation

Lawyer, Diplomat

military service

Private - U.S. Army (State militia, PA), never became officer

children

—

wife:

—

height

6' 0'' / 1.83 m

higher education

Dickinson College, B.A.

religion

Presbyterian

quote

"The test of leadership is not to put greatness into humanity, but to elicit it, for the greatness is already there."

www.best-quotations.com

actions & events

1857 Dred Scott decision: States can decide on slavery
1857 Mormons challenged federal authority in Utah.
1860 Sth Carolina seceded. 7 states followed.

economy

1857 Tariff of 1857. Reduction. North complaining
1857 Depression of 1857.
1860-61 "King Cotton" trend. Financial independence illusions in the South.

military activity

1857 Utah War: 2500 soldiers were sent to oust Mormon gov. Brigham Young
1860 Ship "Star of the West" to fort Sumter in South Carolina

unique facts

The only bachelor president.
The only president from those served in the army who remained a private.
The worst president of USA

interesting

Never married. His niece was the White House hostess. Strong evidence he was gay. Lived with ex-VP Rufus King. Jackson referred to them as "Miss Nancy" and "Aunt Fancy".

military activity

1857 Utah War: 2500 soldiers were sent to oust Mormon gov. Brigham Young
1860 Ship "Star of the West" to fort Sumter in South Carolina

Legacy

His administration was dominated by fighting between pro-and antislavery forces. Few presidents have entered office with more experience, and few have so decisively failed. Probably the worst president.

The Presidents of the USA

Fast Facts

Fast Facts