10 fun and interesting Martin Van Buren facts

1. America's 8th President

Martin Van Buren was born on December 5, 1782 in the small town of Kinderhook, New York. Located in Columbia County, Kinderhook was the eighth of nine children born to Abraham Van Buren and Maria Hoes Van Alen. Van Buren was a prominent figure in American politics, serving as the eighth President of the United States from 1837 to 1841. He was also the first president to be born after the United States declared its independence from Great Britain. Van Buren was a key figure in the formation of the Democratic Party and is remembered for his efforts to strengthen the federal government and promote economic growth.

Also → Theodore Roosevelt: A Man of Many Talents

2. Early Legal Success

Martin Van Buren was admitted to the bar in 1803, and wasted no time in launching his own legal practice. He was eager to get started and quickly established himself as a successful lawyer, representing clients in a variety of cases. His hard work and dedication to the law paid off, and he soon became one of the most respected attorneys in the area.

Also → 14th President Franklin Pierce Failed to Re-Elected in 1856

3. From NY State Senate to US Presidency

Martin Van Buren's political career began in 1812 when he was elected to the New York State Senate. His success in the Senate led to his appointment as New York's attorney general in 1815, a position he held for two years. During this time, Van Buren was able to gain valuable experience in the legal and political arenas, setting the stage for his eventual rise to the presidency.

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

4. Old Kinderhook: The Life and Legacy of Martin Van Buren

Martin Van Buren, born in the New York City of Kinderhook, was known by the nickname "Old Kinderhook" from early in his career. This nickname was a reference to his place of birth, and it stuck with him throughout his life. Van Buren was the eighth President of the United States, and his legacy is still remembered today.

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

5. Van Buren: Birth of the Political Machine

Martin Van Buren was a key figure in the development of the first true political machine in U.S. history. As a New York state politician, he was instrumental in creating a system that virtually controlled all of New York's politics. This machine was based on a system of patronage, whereby political appointments and favors were given to those who supported the party in power. This system of patronage allowed Van Buren to build a powerful political base in New York, and his influence was felt throughout the state.

Also → Andrew Johnson: The Self-Educated Tailor Who Became President

6. A Man of Many Talents

Martin Van Buren was a man of many talents. After being elected governor of New York in 1828, he gave up his Senate seat and was selected as Secretary of State by President Andrew Jackson just a few months later. His impressive political career was just beginning, as he would later become the 8th President of the United States.

Also → Two Opponents Elected President in Same Year

7. Martin Van Buren Elected Vice President on the Jacksonian Ticket

In 1832, Martin Van Buren, nicknamed the "Little Magician", was elected Vice President on the Jacksonian ticket. His election was a major victory for the Jacksonian party, as Van Buren was a highly influential political figure in the United States at the time. He had previously served as the 8th Governor of New York and had been a key advisor to President Andrew Jackson. His election as Vice President was seen as a sign of the Jacksonian party's strength and popularity.

Also → John Tyler: 10th US President (1790)

8. Fiscal Legacy of 8th US President

Martin Van Buren served as the eighth President of the United States from 1837 to 1841, a period of great political and economic upheaval. During his tenure, Van Buren faced a number of challenges, including the Panic of 1837, a severe economic depression that lasted for several years, and the growing tensions between the North and South that would eventually lead to the Civil War. Despite these difficulties, Van Buren was able to pass a number of important reforms, including the establishment of an independent treasury system and the passage of the Tariff of 1842. His legacy as President is remembered for his commitment to fiscal responsibility and his efforts to maintain the Union.

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

9. Martin Van Buren's 1840 Defeat: The Panic of 1837

Martin Van Buren's re-election bid in 1840 was unsuccessful due to the Panic of 1837, an economic crisis that had a devastating effect on the United States. The Panic of 1837 was caused by a combination of factors, including a decrease in the money supply, a decrease in the price of cotton, and a decrease in the amount of land available for sale. The economic crisis caused a sharp decline in the value of the US dollar, leading to a decrease in consumer spending and an increase in unemployment. This, in turn, led to a decrease in Van Buren's popularity and ultimately his loss in the 1840 election.

Also → George H. W. Bush: A Political Career of Distinction

10. Martin Van Buren, the 8th President of the United States, Passes Away

On July 24, 1862, Martin Van Buren, the 8th President of the United States, passed away at the age of 79 in his home state of New York. His death occurred during the first term of President Abraham Lincoln, who had been elected just two years prior. Van Buren was the first President to be born after the American Revolution and the first to be born in the United States. He served as President from 1837 to 1841 and was the first President to be a member of the Democratic Party.