James Buchanan (1791-1868) WHO HE WAS: James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States, was the last to serve before the American Civil War. His presidency is often associated with inaction in the face of growing sectional tensions, which ultimately escalated into secession and conflict after he left office. A lifelong bachelor, he was
Franklin Pierce (1804-1869) WHO HE WAS: Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, served during a time of apparent tranquility that belied the simmering tensions leading to the Civil War. A northern Democrat who saw the abolitionist movement as a fundamental threat to the unity of the nation, Pierce’s presidency is marked by
John Tyler (1790-1862) WHO HE WAS: John Tyler was the tenth President of the United States, who assumed office after the untimely death of President William Henry Harrison. Tyler was the first vice president to become president due to the death of his predecessor, setting a significant constitutional precedent. Known as “His Accidency,” Tyler’s presidency
John Ross (1790-1866) WHO HE WAS: John Ross, born Tsan-Usdi (Little John), was a Cherokee chief who served an unprecedented 38 years, leading his nation through some of its most challenging times, including the infamous Trail of Tears. Of mixed Scottish and Cherokee descent, he was a skilled negotiator who tirelessly fought for the rights
Sequoyah (c. 1770-1843) WHO HE WAS: Sequoyah, also known as George Gist or George Guess, was a Native American polymath of the Cherokee nation who single-handedly created the Cherokee syllabary, making reading and writing in Cherokee possible. His achievements led to a profound transformation in the literacy and culture of the Cherokee people. WHAT HE
Martin Van Buren (1782-1862) WHO SHE WAS: Martin Van Buren was the eighth President of the United States, a key organizer of the Democratic Party, and a principal architect of American political organization during the early 19th century. Before his presidency, he served as the Secretary of State and the Vice President under Andrew Jackson,
Nicholas Biddle (1786-1844) WHO SHE WAS: Nicholas Biddle was an American financier who served as the President of the Second Bank of the United States. He became a central figure in the Bank War, a political struggle initiated by President Andrew Jackson, who opposed the renewal of the bank’s charter. WHAT HE SAID: “This worthy
William L. Marcy (1786-1857) WHO SHE WAS: William Learned Marcy was an influential American statesman who served as a U.S. Senator, the Governor of New York, U.S. Secretary of War, and U.S. Secretary of State. His career spanned several pivotal periods in early U.S. history, during which he was known for his practical politics and
Margaret Bayard Smith (1778-1844) WHO SHE WAS: Margaret Bayard Smith was an acclaimed author, socialite, and a prominent figure in early American society. She was known for her insightful letters and journals which provide a rich account of the political and social life in Washington, D.C., particularly during the formative years of the American republic.
Andrew Jackson (1767-1845) WHO HE WAS: Andrew Jackson was the seventh President of the United States, serving from 1829 to 1837. Known as “Old Hickory” for his tough demeanor, he was a military hero who became a symbol of the American frontier and democracy. His presidency marked the rise of the common man and the
