40 Facts About President John Tyler

Early Life and Education

John Tyler, the 10th President of the United States, had a fascinating early life that shaped his future political career.

1. Born on March 29, 1790, in Charles City County, Virginia, Tyler was the sixth of eight children.
2. His father, John Tyler Sr., served as the Governor of Virginia and was a close friend of Thomas Jefferson.
3. Tyler attended the College of William and Mary at the age of 12, graduating in 1807.
4. He studied law under his father and was admitted to the Virginia bar in 1809 at just 19 years old.

Political Career Before Presidency

Before becoming President, Tyler had an extensive political career, serving in various capacities.

5. Elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1811, Tyler began his political journey.
6. He served as a captain of a militia company during the War of 1812.
7. Tyler was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1816, serving until 1821.
8. He became the Governor of Virginia in 1825, focusing on states' rights and internal improvements.
9. Tyler was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1827, where he opposed the policies of President Andrew Jackson.

Vice Presidency and Accidental Presidency

Tyler's rise to the presidency was unexpected and unprecedented in American history.

10. In 1840, Tyler was elected Vice President on the Whig ticket with William Henry Harrison.
11. Harrison's death just 31 days into his term made Tyler the first Vice President to assume the presidency due to the death of a sitting president.
12. Known as "His Accidency," Tyler's succession set a precedent for future vice presidents.

Presidential Policies and Actions

Tyler's presidency was marked by significant policies and actions that left a lasting impact.

13. Tyler vetoed several bills proposed by the Whig-controlled Congress, leading to a rift with his own party.
14. He supported the annexation of Texas, which was accomplished shortly before he left office.
15. Tyler signed the Preemption Act of 1841, allowing settlers to claim land before it was surveyed.
16. He established the U.S. Weather Bureau, which later became the National Weather Service.
17. Tyler's administration faced an economic depression, known as the Panic of 1841.

Personal Life and Family

Tyler's personal life was as eventful as his political career, with a large family and two marriages.

18. Tyler married Letitia Christian in 1813, and they had eight children together.
19. Letitia suffered a stroke in 1839 and became the first First Lady to die while her husband was in office in 1842.
20. Tyler remarried in 1844 to Julia Gardiner, who was 30 years his junior, and they had seven children.
21. Tyler fathered 15 children in total, the most of any U.S. president.

Later Years and Legacy

After his presidency, Tyler continued to be active in politics and left a complex legacy.

22. Tyler retired to his plantation, Sherwood Forest, in Virginia after leaving office in 1845.
23. He was a delegate to the Virginia Peace Conference in 1861, attempting to prevent the Civil War.
24. Tyler was elected to the Confederate House of Representatives but died before taking his seat.
25. He passed away on January 18, 1862, in Richmond, Virginia, and was buried in Hollywood Cemetery.

Interesting Tidbits and Lesser-Known Facts

Some lesser-known facts about Tyler add depth to his intriguing life story.

26. Tyler was the first president to have his veto overridden by Congress.
27. He was the only president to serve in the Confederacy after his presidency.
28. Tyler's plantation, Sherwood Forest, is still owned by his descendants and is open to the public.
29. He was a skilled violinist and often entertained guests with his music.
30. Tyler's grandson, Harrison Ruffin Tyler, is still alive today, making Tyler the earliest U.S. president with a living grandchild.

Tyler's Impact on American Politics

Tyler's influence on American politics extended beyond his presidency.

31. His firm stance on states' rights influenced future political debates and policies.
32. Tyler's support for westward expansion contributed to the growth of the United States.
33. His actions during his presidency led to the eventual formation of the modern Democratic Party.
34. Tyler's precedent of vice-presidential succession was codified in the 25th Amendment to the Constitution.

Tyler's Controversial Decisions

Some of Tyler's decisions were highly controversial and sparked significant debate.

35. His veto of the re-establishment of the Bank of the United States angered many Whigs.
36. Tyler's support for the annexation of Texas led to tensions with Mexico and eventually the Mexican-American War.
37. His use of the presidential veto was seen as an overreach of executive power by many contemporaries.

Tyler's Contributions to Infrastructure

Tyler made notable contributions to the nation's infrastructure during his presidency.

38. He signed the bill authorizing the construction of the first transcontinental telegraph line.
39. Tyler supported the development of the nation's railroads, which facilitated westward expansion.
40. His administration promoted the improvement of harbors and rivers, enhancing trade and transportation.

Tyler's Legacy in a Nutshell

John Tyler, the 10th President of the United States, left a unique mark on American history. Known for being the first vice president to ascend to the presidency due to the death of a sitting president, Tyler set a precedent for future successions. His time in office saw the annexation of Texas, a move that significantly shaped the nation's future. Despite facing opposition from both major political parties, Tyler remained steadfast in his beliefs, often clashing with Congress.

Tyler's personal life was just as intriguing. He fathered 15 children, more than any other president, and his descendants continue to be active in public life today. His legacy is a mix of political achievements and personal milestones, making him a fascinating figure in American history. Understanding Tyler's life and presidency offers valuable insights into the complexities of early American politics and the enduring impact of leadership decisions.