20 Best Fun Facts About Franklin Pierce

Who Was Franklin Pierce?

Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, served from 1853 to 1857. Despite not being as well-known as other presidents, Pierce's presidency was marked by his attempts to maintain peace between the Northern and Southern states, a task that proved to be increasingly difficult due to the rising tensions over slavery. Born on November 23, 1804, in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, Pierce was a lawyer and politician before becoming president. His tenure is often remembered for the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which exacerbated sectional tensions.

Early Life and Career

1. Franklin Pierce was born into a political family; his father, Benjamin Pierce, served as Governor of New Hampshire. This environment undoubtedly influenced Pierce's early interest in politics.

2. Before his presidency, Pierce served in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. His political career was marked by his advocacy for states' rights and his support for the expansion of slavery, which he believed would maintain the union.

3. Pierce also participated in the Mexican-American War as a brigadier general, a role that gained him national recognition but also exposed him to criticism and personal challenges, including sustaining a knee injury that troubled him for the rest of his life.

Presidency and Major Policies

4. As president, Franklin Pierce signed the Kansas-Nebraska Act into law in 1854. This controversial law allowed residents of those territories to decide for themselves whether to allow slavery, leading to violent conflict in what became known as "Bleeding Kansas."

5. Pierce's administration made significant efforts to expand the United States. He pursued the acquisition of Alaska and parts of present-day Arizona from Mexico, although these efforts were not realized until after his presidency.

6. His foreign policy achievements include opening trade with Japan, which was then a significant move towards the United States' presence in Asia.

Personal Life and Legacy

7. Tragically, Pierce and his wife, Jane Appleton Pierce, suffered immense personal loss. All three of their sons died young, with their last son, Benjamin, dying in a train accident shortly before Pierce's inauguration, an event that deeply affected both parents.

8. Despite his presidency being considered lackluster by historians, Pierce was known for his charisma and eloquence. His personal charm made him popular among peers, though these qualities did not translate into effective leadership.

9. After leaving office, Pierce traveled abroad for three years, attempting to escape the criticism he faced at home. Upon his return, he remained a controversial figure, largely due to his pro-Southern views and opposition to the Civil War.

10. Franklin Pierce died on October 8, 1869, in Concord, New Hampshire. His legacy is complex, with his presidency often criticized for its failure to address the escalating crisis that would lead to the Civil War.

Interesting Tidbits

11. Pierce was the first president to have a Christmas tree in the White House, a tradition that has continued to this day.

12. He was also the first president to install a bath tub with running water in the White House, reflecting the era's advancements in plumbing.

13. Despite being president, Pierce was arrested for running over a woman with his horse; however, the charges were later dropped due to insufficient evidence.

14. Pierce is one of the few presidents who swore his oath of office on a law book rather than a Bible, a choice that reflected his personal beliefs and was quite unconventional at the time.

15. He remains the only president from New Hampshire, highlighting his unique place in the state's history.

16. Interestingly, Pierce was a close friend of famous author Nathaniel Hawthorne, who wrote a biography that praised Pierce as a leader, despite the general public's mixed opinions.

17. Pierce's presidency is often ranked among the least effective in American history, with his policies and leadership style contributing to the nation's slide towards civil war.

18. Despite his political failures, Pierce's personal correspondence and documents reveal a man deeply conflicted about the nation's future and his role in its history.

19. He vehemently opposed the Emancipation Proclamation and was a vocal critic of Abraham Lincoln, views that further isolated him from the American public during and after the Civil War.

20. Franklin Pierce's home in Concord, New Hampshire, is now a museum dedicated to his life and presidency, offering insights into one of the most tumultuous periods in American history.

A Final Nod to Franklin Pierce

Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, might not be the first name that pops into your head when you think of American presidents. Yet, his life and presidency are filled with intriguing details that deserve a spotlight. From his unexpected rise to the presidency to his personal tragedies and controversial stance on slavery, Pierce's story is a complex tapestry of triumphs and tribulations. His contributions and the challenges he faced remind us of the multifaceted nature of leadership and history. As we look back on his tenure, it's clear that Pierce's legacy is a blend of both noteworthy achievements and contentious decisions, offering valuable lessons for future generations. Let's keep exploring and sharing the stories of figures like Pierce, for they hold lessons and insights that resonate well beyond their time.