John Sutter (1803-1880) WHO HE WAS: Johann August Sutter, better known as John Sutter, was a German-born Swiss pioneer of California known for establishing Sutter’s Fort in the area that would become Sacramento, California’s state capital. He is often associated with the California Gold Rush, despite his personal financial downfall due to the discovery. WHAT
John L. O’Sullivan (1813-1895) WHO HE WAS: John Louis O’Sullivan was an influential American journalist, lawyer, and diplomat. He is best known for coining the term “Manifest Destiny,” which became a guiding doctrine for American expansion in the 19th century. His editorial work provided a philosophical endorsement for the nation’s territorial growth and played a
Stephen Douglas (1813-1861) WHO HE WAS: Stephen Arnold Douglas was a prominent American politician from Illinois, best known for his series of debates with Abraham Lincoln during the 1858 Illinois Senate race. Douglas, often dubbed the “Little Giant” for his diminutive stature but formidable political influence, was a leading advocate for the doctrine of popular
Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) WHO HE WAS: Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, is revered as one of the nation’s most iconic leaders. Born in a log cabin and largely self-taught, Lincoln rose from humble beginnings to guide the country through the Civil War, preserving the Union and emancipating slaves. His eloquence, wisdom,
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
In a profound moment of surrender to the U.S. Army, Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce Indians delivered a moving speech in 1877. The tribe had tried to cross into Canada to escape relocation to a reservation. They journeyed over 1000 miles, battling the army throughout their odyssey. Alas, a mere 40 miles from Canada,
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John L. O’Sullivan on Manifest Destiny New York, NY November 1839 In 1839, John L. O’Sullivan, editor of the Democratic Review, referred in his magazine to America’s “manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions.” During O’Sullivan’s day, aggressive nationalists invoked manifest destiny to justify
Zachary Taylor (1784-1850) WHO HE WAS: Zachary Taylor, the 12th President of the United States, was a national war hero who won widespread acclaim for his leadership in the Mexican-American War. Before his presidency, he had a 40-year military career, earning the nickname “Old Rough and Ready” for his willingness to share hardships with his
James K. Polk (1795-1849) WHO HE WAS: James Knox Polk, the 11th President of the United States, was a leader whose vision of Manifest Destiny expanded the nation’s borders to the Pacific Ocean. Polk, born in North Carolina and a political protégé of Andrew Jackson, served as the Speaker of the House and Governor of
