Humanities › History & Culture James Buchanan Fast Facts Fifteenth President of the United States Share Flipboard Email Print FPG/ The Image Bank/ Getty Images History & Culture American History U.S. Presidents Basics Important Historical Figures Key Events Native American History American Revolution America Moves Westward The Gilded Age Crimes & Disasters The Most Important Inventions of the Industrial Revolution African American History African History Ancient History and Culture Asian History European History Genealogy Inventions Latin American History Medieval & Renaissance History Military History The 20th Century Women's History View More By Martin Kelly History Expert M.A., History, University of Florida B.A., History, University of Florida Martin Kelly, M.A., is a history teacher and curriculum developer. He is the author of "The Everything American Presidents Book" and "Colonial Life: Government." our editorial process Martin Kelly Updated October 25, 2020 James Buchanan (1791-1868) served as America's fifteenth president. Considered by many to be America's worst president, he was the last president to serve before America entered the Civil War. Here is a quick list of fast facts for James Buchanan. For more in depth information, you can also read the James Buchanan Biography Birth: April 23, 1791 Death: June 1, 1868 Term of Office: March 4, 1857-March 3, 1861 Number of Terms Elected: 1 Term First Lady: Unmarried, the only bachelor to be president. His niece Harriet Lane fulfilled the role of hostess. James Buchanan Quote: "What is right and what is practicable are two different things."Additional James Buchanan Quotes Major Events While in Office: Pony Express (1860) Southern States begin secession (1860)Confederate States of America created (1861) States Entering Union While in Office: Minnesota (1858)Oregon (1859)Kansas (1860) Related James Buchanan Resources: These additional resources on James Buchanan can provide you with further information about the president and his times. James Buchanan BiographyTake a more in depth look at the fifteenth president of the United States through this biography. You'll learn about his childhood, family, early career, and the major events of his administration. Civil War: Pre-War and SecessionThe Kansas-Nebraska Act gave the settlers in the newly organized territories of Kansas and Nebraska the power to decide for themselves whether or not to permit enslavement. This bill helped increase the debate over the institution of enslavement. This increasingly bitter sectionalism would result in the Civil War. Order of SecessionOnce Abraham Lincoln won the election of 1860, states began to secede from the union. Chart of Presidents and Vice PresidentsThis informative chart gives quick reference information on the presidents, vice-presidents, their terms of office, and their political parties. Other Presidential Fast Facts: Franklin PierceAbraham LincolnList of American Presidents