Nearby our home is the town of Buchanan, Michigan which will have its sesquicentennial this year. It is of course named after the 15th President who also served in the Polk Administration as Secretary of State. He was a Northern Democrat, succeeded by Abraham Lincoln who was sworn in March 1861 for the first of his two terms and the Civil War began with the battle of Ft. Sumter (Charleston, SC harbor island federal outpost).
The newest Presidential $1 Coin honoring James Buchanan will be available to the public on Thursday, August 19, 2010. Born on April 23, 1791, in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, James Buchanan was the fifteenth President of the United States (1857-1861).
James Buchanan had a long history of public service before being elected as President. After serving during the War of 1812 in the defense of Baltimore, Buchanan served 10 years as a U.S. representative, 10 years as a senator, held ambassadorships to both Russia and Great Britain, and served as James K. Polk's secretary of state.
Most historians agree that, as President, Buchanan was ineffective in addressing the growing antagonisms between the North and South. By the election of 1860, Buchanan had become tired of the presidency and did not seek re-election.
Interestingly, James Buchanan:
- Is the only President born in Pennsylvania
- Was the last American President born in the 18th century, and his term of office was the last before the Civil War
- Was the second of eleven children
- Was expelled from Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA, for poor behavior, pleaded for a second chance, and later graduated with honors
- Was the only President never to marry
- Declined an offer to serve as attorney general
- Declined an offer for an appointment to the Supreme Court
Make a note on your calendar--contact your financial institution this week about getting the new James Buchanan $1 Coins.
http://www.usmint.gov/
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