40 Facts About President Franklin Pierce

Early Life and Education

Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, had a life filled with intriguing events even before his presidency. Here are some fascinating facts about his early years.

1. Born in a Log Cabin: Pierce was born on November 23, 1804, in a log cabin in Hillsborough, New Hampshire.
2. Large Family: He was the sixth of eight children in his family.
3. Father's Influence: His father, Benjamin Pierce, was a Revolutionary War hero and later became the governor of New Hampshire.
4. Education: Pierce attended Bowdoin College in Maine, where he formed a lifelong friendship with writer Nathaniel Hawthorne.
5. Struggled Academically: Initially, he struggled with his studies but eventually graduated fifth in his class in 1824.

Early Career and Personal Life

Before becoming president, Pierce had a notable career in law and politics. His personal life also had its share of ups and downs.

6. Law Career: After college, Pierce studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1827.
7. Marriage: He married Jane Means Appleton in 1834. Jane was the daughter of a former president of Bowdoin College.
8. Tragic Losses: The Pierces had three sons, all of whom died young, which deeply affected both Franklin and Jane.
9. Political Start: Pierce began his political career as a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives in 1829.
10. Young Congressman: At 27, he became one of the youngest members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Military Service

Pierce's military service during the Mexican-American War played a significant role in shaping his political career.

11. Volunteered for War: Pierce volunteered for the Mexican-American War in 1846.
12. Brigadier General: He was appointed as a brigadier general despite having no prior military experience.
13. Injury in Battle: Pierce was injured during the Battle of Contreras but continued to lead his men.
14. Hero's Return: His bravery and leadership earned him national recognition upon his return.

Path to the Presidency

Pierce's journey to the White House was marked by unexpected turns and political maneuvering.

15. Dark Horse Candidate: He was a "dark horse" candidate, meaning he was not initially considered a front-runner for the presidency.
16. Democratic Nomination: Pierce won the Democratic nomination on the 49th ballot at the 1852 Democratic National Convention.
17. Campaign Strategy: His campaign focused on his military service and his stance on maintaining the Union.
18. Landslide Victory: Pierce won the 1852 presidential election by a landslide, defeating Whig candidate Winfield Scott.

Presidency Highlights

Pierce's presidency was marked by significant events and controversial decisions.

19. Youngest President: At 48, he was the youngest person to be elected president at that time.
20. Kansas-Nebraska Act: He signed the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854, which allowed territories to decide on the legality of slavery, leading to violent conflicts known as "Bleeding Kansas."
21. Gadsden Purchase: Pierce oversaw the Gadsden Purchase in 1853, acquiring land from Mexico that is now part of Arizona and New Mexico.
22. Diplomatic Efforts: He attempted to acquire Cuba from Spain, but the effort failed.
23. Ostend Manifesto: The Ostend Manifesto, which suggested the U.S. should take Cuba by force if Spain refused to sell, caused a scandal and damaged his administration's reputation.

Personal Struggles and Legacy

Pierce faced numerous personal challenges and left a complex legacy.

24. Alcohol Struggles: Pierce struggled with alcoholism throughout his life, which worsened after the death of his children.
25. Wife's Health: Jane Pierce suffered from chronic illness and depression, which affected Pierce's personal and professional life.
26. Criticism: His presidency was heavily criticized, particularly for his handling of the issue of slavery.
27. Party Abandonment: The Democratic Party did not nominate him for a second term, choosing James Buchanan instead.
28. Post-Presidency: After leaving office, Pierce traveled extensively in Europe and the Bahamas.
29. Civil War Stance: During the Civil War, Pierce criticized Abraham Lincoln's policies, which made him unpopular in the North.
30. Death: Franklin Pierce died on October 8, 1869, in Concord, New Hampshire.

Interesting Tidbits

Beyond his political and personal life, there are some lesser-known facts about Franklin Pierce.

31. First Christmas Tree: Pierce is credited with having the first Christmas tree in the White House.
32. Nickname: He was often called "Handsome Frank" due to his good looks.
33. First Lady's Influence: Jane Pierce was deeply religious and influenced many of Pierce's decisions.
34. Hawthorne's Biography: Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote a campaign biography for Pierce, which helped his presidential bid.
35. No Vice President: Pierce's vice president, William R. King, died shortly after taking office, and the position remained vacant throughout his term.
36. Anti-Abolitionist: Pierce was a staunch anti-abolitionist, which alienated many Northerners.
37. Public Speaking: He was known for his excellent oratory skills.
38. Legacy of Failure: Historians often rank Pierce as one of the least effective presidents due to his inability to address the nation's growing divisions.
39. Memorial: There is a statue of Pierce in Concord, New Hampshire, honoring his service.
40. Burial Site: He is buried in the Old North Cemetery in Concord, New Hampshire.

Pierce's Legacy in a Nutshell

Franklin Pierce's presidency might not be the most celebrated, but his life was full of interesting twists. From his early days as a lawyer to his time in the White House, Pierce faced many challenges. His stance on slavery and the Kansas-Nebraska Act stirred controversy, shaping the nation's path toward the Civil War.

Despite his political struggles, Pierce's personal life showed his resilience. Losing three children and dealing with his wife's illness, he remained dedicated to his country. His friendships with notable figures like Nathaniel Hawthorne added depth to his story.

Pierce's legacy is a mix of achievements and controversies. While not the most famous president, his impact on American history is undeniable. Understanding his life gives us a fuller picture of the complexities of leadership during a turbulent time.