10 fun and interesting Franklin Pierce facts

1. 14th President of the United States, Franklin Pierce, Dies at 64

Franklin Pierce was born on November 23, 1804 in Hillsborough, New Hampshire. He was the 14th President of the United States, serving from 1853 to 1857. During his presidency, he was known for his strong support of the pro-slavery faction of the Democratic Party. He passed away on October 8, 1869 in Concord, New Hampshire, at the age of 64.

Also → 13th President of the United States: Millard Fillmore was a Whig

2. The Only President to be Elected from New Hampshire

Franklin Pierce is a unique figure in American history, as he is the only President to have been elected from the state of New Hampshire. He was born in Hillsborough, New Hampshire in 1804 and served as the 14th President of the United States from 1853 to 1857. During his time in office, he was known for his strong support of the Compromise of 1850, which sought to preserve the Union by allowing the expansion of slavery into the western territories. His presidency was marked by a number of controversial decisions, including the signing of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed for the expansion of slavery into the western territories. Despite his controversial decisions, he remains the only President to have been elected from New Hampshire.

Also → Jefferson Davis: A Political Figure

3. Democrat Who Supported Slavery, Annexation of Texas

Franklin Pierce was a prominent Democrat who served in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. He was first elected to the House in 1833, representing New Hampshire, and then to the Senate in 1837. During his time in the House, he was a vocal advocate for the annexation of Texas and the expansion of slavery. In the Senate, he was a strong supporter of President James K. Polk's policies, including the Mexican-American War. He was a key figure in the Democratic Party during the mid-19th century, and his legacy continues to shape the party today.

Also → James Buchanan: The 15th President of the United States

4. A Key Figure in the Mexican-American War

Franklin Pierce was a prominent figure in the Mexican-American War, where he served as a brigadier general in the Army. He was a key leader in the war, leading troops in several battles and ultimately helping to secure a victory for the United States. His leadership and bravery earned him the respect of his peers and the admiration of his country. He was later elected as the 14th President of the United States, a testament to his legacy and the impact he had on the nation.

Also → Martin Van Buren Elected Vice President on the Jacksonian Ticket

5. 1852 President-Elect

At the 1852 Democratic National Convention, Franklin Pierce was selected as the party's contender for president in the 49th election. This was a major milestone in his political career, as it marked the first time he had been chosen to run for the highest office in the United States. His selection was met with enthusiasm from the Democratic Party, and he went on to win the election and become the 14th President of the United States.

Also → 67-Year-Old William Henry Harrison Elected President

6. Franklin Pierce & King Win Presidential Election in Landslide

Franklin Pierce and his running mate William R. King achieved a decisive victory in the 1852 presidential election, winning an overwhelming majority of the Electoral College votes. The pair won a total of 254 electoral votes, with Pierce receiving all but one of the votes from the 15 slave-holding states. This landslide victory was a testament to the strength of the Pierce-King ticket, and marked the first time a Democratic candidate had won the presidency since Andrew Jackson in 1832.

Also → Franklin D. Roosevelt: The Strong and Influential President

7. One of US History's Worst Presidents?

Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, is widely regarded as one of the worst presidents in U.S. history due to his discordant choices while in office. His decisions were heavily criticized and resulted in a legacy of failure and disappointment. Pierce's presidency is remembered for its lack of progress and its inability to bring the nation together during a time of great division.

Also → 23rd President of the United States: Benjamin Harrison

8. Franklin Pierce's Two Major Disasters

Franklin Pierce's presidency was marred by two major disasters: the Ostend Manifesto and the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Historian David Potter described them as "the two great calamities" of Pierce's administration, and the public outcry that followed was immense. The Ostend Manifesto proposed the US purchase Cuba from Spain, while the Kansas-Nebraska Act allowed for the expansion of slavery into the western territories. Both of these events caused a great deal of controversy and criticism, and ultimately led to Pierce's downfall.

Also → 33rd President of the United States: Harry S. Truman

9. 14th President Franklin Pierce Failed to Re-Elected in 1856

Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, was abandoned by his own political party and was not re-elected to run for president in the 1856 election. This was a major blow to his political career, as he had been the only president to be elected from the Democratic Party since the election of Andrew Jackson in 1832. Despite his efforts to remain in office, Pierce was unable to secure the nomination of his party and was ultimately unsuccessful in his bid for re-election.

Also → Zachary Taylor: The Last President to Own Slaves

10. Accused of Running Over Woman, Charges Dropped

In his first year as President of the United States, Franklin Pierce found himself in hot water after being accused of running over an elderly woman with his horse. Fortunately for him, the charges were dropped due to a lack of evidence. Despite the incident, Pierce went on to serve a full four-year term as President, leaving a legacy of strong support for the Compromise of 1850 and the Kansas-Nebraska Act.