Portrait of James Buchanan, circa 1859

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THF121194 / Portrait of James Buchanan, circa 1859
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Artifact Overview

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 Details

Artifact

Carte-de-visite (Card photograph)

Subject Date

circa 1859

Creators

Place of Creation

Collection Title

Research Center General Photograph Collection

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.
Keywords
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