Portrait of James Buchanan, circa 1859
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Democrats chose James Buchanan to head their presidential ticket in 1856. The long-serving politician seemed perfect to calm the sectional strife that gripped the nation. Buchanan hailed from non-slaveholding Pennsylvania but supported the rights of states and territories to decide whether slavery should exist within their own borders. He was elected, but divisions worsened. By the end of his presidency the country was splitting in two.
Democrats chose James Buchanan to head their presidential ticket in 1856. The long-serving politician seemed perfect to calm the sectional strife that gripped the nation. Buchanan hailed from non-slaveholding Pennsylvania but supported the rights of states and territories to decide whether slavery should exist within their own borders. He was elected, but divisions worsened. By the end of his presidency the country was splitting in two.
Artifact
Carte-de-visite (Card photograph)
Subject Date
circa 1859
Collection Title
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
2015.0.1.1.8
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Cardboard
Paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Albumen process
Color
Black-and-white (Colors)
Dimensions
Height: 4.125 in
Width: 2.375 in
Inscriptions
Text on front: B.M. Brady, / WASHINGTON, D.C. Text on back: BRADY'S / National Portrait Gallery. / 625 Pennsylvania Avenue / WASHINGTON, D. C.
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