When we talk about the United States presidency, we usually focus on their policies, achievements, and personal lives. However, have you ever wondered about the marital status of the presidents? Interestingly, out of the 45 Presidents of the United States, only one remained unmarried throughout his life. James Buchanan, who served as the 15th President of the United States, never got married and holds the unique distinction of being the only bachelor to have ever served as president.
The Early Life of James Buchanan
James Buchanan was born on April 23, 1791, in Cove Gap, Pennsylvania. Even in his younger days, Buchanan showed promise in the political arena. He studied law and was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar at the age of 23. Buchanan was elected to the House of Representatives in 1820 and was later appointed as the U.S ambassador to Russia by President Andrew Jackson.
On his return from Russia, Buchanan served for two years as the U.S Secretary of State under President James K. Polk. He also served as the ambassador to the United Kingdom before being elected to the presidency in 1856.
Relationships of James Buchanan
While James Buchanan never got married, he had several close relationships that influenced his personal and political life.
One of Buchanan’s closest relationships was with William Rufus King, who served as Vice President under Franklin Pierce. Buchanan and King were close friends, and some historians suggest that they might have even been romantically involved. At that time, any public acknowledgment of a same-sex relationship would have been considered scandalous, and Buchanan went to great lengths to keep his relationship with King secret.
Apart from King, Buchanan had close relationships with several other women in his lifetime. One such relationship was with Ann Coleman, whom he was engaged to in the 1800s. Unfortunately, Ann died suddenly before the wedding, which devastated Buchanan.
In his later years, Buchanan had a close friendship with Harriet Lane, his niece who acted as the official White House hostess during his presidency.
Impact of Buchanan’s Single Status on his Presidency
Buchanan’s single status created some controversy during his presidency. In the 19th century, marriage was considered a societal norm, and Buchanan deviating from this norm was unusual. Some critics argued that his choice not to marry made him unfit for the presidency, as he lacked the “family values” that were associated with the position.
Buchanan’s single status did not have a considerable impact on his presidency, and he focused on issues such as tariffs, land policies, and slavery. However, his failure to address the rising tensions between the North and South, which eventually led to the Civil War, has often been criticized by historians.
Conclusion
James Buchanan remains one of the most interesting figures in the history of the United States presidency. He was a successful politician who served in various important positions, but his choice not to get married has set him apart from other presidents.
While some speculated that his single status affected his presidency, Buchanan’s actions and policies demonstrate that his lack of a spouse did not hinder his ability to govern effectively. Nevertheless, his personal relationships and the controversies surrounding them have captured the imagination of historians and the public alike.
FAQ
Which president had 15 children?
John Tyler, the 10th President of the United States had 15 children, more than any other American President. He was born on March 29, 1790, in Virginia, and came from a wealthy family. Tyler served as president from 1841 to 1845, after the death of the 9th President, William Henry Harrison, making him the first Vice-President to ascend to the presidency due to the death of the President.
Tyler was the first President to deal with the annexation of a foreign territory, as he annexed the Republic of Texas in 1845, which ultimately led to the Mexican-American War. However, besides his political achievements, one of the most intriguing things about Tyler was his large family.
Tyler married twice, first to Letitia Christian in 1813. Tyler and Christian had eight children together. After the death of Letitia in 1842, Tyler remarried the following year to Julia Gardiner, who was 30 years his junior, and they had seven more children together.
Tyler had children from the early 1810s all the way up to 1860, making him a father for nearly 50 years. Although some of his children did achieve some political fame, none of them were as prominent as their father. John Tyler Jr. served in the Confederate States Army during the Civil War and was elected to the Confederate Congress but died in 1862 due to an accident.
Tyler’s large family generated much discussion and disapproval from the public at the time, as it was unusual for the President of the United States to have so many children. However, despite criticism, Tyler was devoted to his family throughout his life and even named his home plantation, Sherwood Forest, after the legend of Robin Hood, which he used to read to his children.
John Tyler, the 10th President of the United States, had an impressive 15 children, making him the most prolific father of all American presidents. Despite public disapproval during his time, he was dedicated to his family and his political career, leaving a significant legacy in both areas.
Which president never lived in the White House?
The history of the White House is a fascinating one, and a significant part of that history is the fact that one president never actually lived in it. That president was none other than the one who oversaw the construction of this iconic building – George Washington.
Construction of the White House began in October of 1792, during Washington’s second term in office. However, despite his central role in its design and planning, Washington never actually got to live in the presidential residence that he helped create.
There were several reasons why Washington never lived in the White House. For one, the building was not finished until after he had left office. After the cornerstone was laid in 1792, work on the building proceeded slowly and was often interrupted by political and financial challenges. It wasn’t until 1800, after the presidency had passed from Washington to John Adams, that the White House was finally ready for occupancy.
Another reason why Washington never lived in the White House was that he had some reservations about the concept of a presidential palace. Despite his immense popularity and power, Washington was keenly aware of the dangers of monarchical rule. He worried that creating such a grand residence for the president might send the wrong message to the American people, suggesting that the nation’s leader was more like a king than a servant of the people.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the White House wasn’t actually called that during Washington’s day. Instead, it was known as the “President’s House” or the “Executive Mansion.” It wasn’t until much later, during the early 20th century, that the name “White House” became popularized.
So while George Washington played a crucial role in the construction of this iconic building, he never got to live in it. To this day, though, the White House remains a powerful symbol of American democracy and a reminder of the enduring legacy of the nation’s first president.
Who was the only divorced President?
Contrary to popular belief, James Buchanan wasn’t the only US President to remain unmarried during his entire term in office. However, he was the only US President who was a lifelong bachelor, having never been married. While some sources may suggest that Ronald Reagan was the only divorced President, this is actually incorrect.
The only US President who got divorced was Ronald Reagan’s predecessor, Jimmy Carter’s predecessor, and the 38th President of the United States, Gerald Ford. Before he became President, Ford was a widower and remarried a woman named Betty Ford. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in divorce before he took office, making him the only President to have been divorced.
James Buchanan, on the other hand, never married throughout his life. He was engaged to be married once, but he broke off the engagement and remained a bachelor for the rest of his days. Buchanan was known for his regal appearance, always appearing tall and formal, complete with a high stock that he wore around his jowls.
While being unmarried is relatively rare among US Presidents, being a divorcé is even rarer. Gerald Ford’s divorced status, while not well-known, adds an interesting footnote to American political history. Meanwhile, James Buchanan’s unmarried status has contributed to his reputation as a somewhat reclusive figure in American politics.
