Illustration of a man's head and shoulders on a slight blue background over blue text
James Buchanan was born in 1791 in Pennsylvania, graduating from Dickinson College in 1809. After being admitted to the bar in 1812, Buchanan gained success and wealth in his profession and through investments.He gradually sought more political involvement as a U.S. Senator and later, Secretary of State in President James Polk’s cabinet.
A member of the Democratic Party, Buchanan became the fifteenth president of the United States, serving prior to the Civil War from 1857-1861. Buchanan has the distinction of being the only bachelor president as well as the only president from Pennsylvania. Buchanan is likely remembered most for his failure to prevent the secession of the Southern states and his subsequent mishandling of the North and South conflict i