Born: 23 April 1791 · Died: 1 June 1868 · Age at death: 77
How old was James Buchanan when he died?
James Buchanan died aged 77. He was born on 23 April 1791 and died on 1 June 1868.
15th US President whose failure to stop Southern states seceding left the country on the brink of civil war
Did you know?He was the only president to remain a lifelong bachelor, with his niece acting as the White House hostess.
Quick facts
Date of birth23 April 1791
Date of death1 June 1868
Age at death77
Cause of deathRespiratory failure
NationalityAmerican
BirthplaceStony Batter, United States
Occupationpolitician, diplomat, lawyer
Editor's Take:
Buchanan arrived in the White House with more experience than almost any president before him. He had served as congressman, senator, secretary of state and minister to both Russia and Britain. Yet as the country divided over slavery, he believed he had no power to stop states leaving the Union. By the time he left office, seven states had seceded. Historians frequently rank him among the least effective presidents.
Key Milestones
1832: Russia – minister
1845: Secretary of State – under Polk
1853: Britain – minister
1857: President – inaugurated
James Buchanan Jr. (April 23, 1791 – June 1, 1868) was the 15th president of the United States, serving from 1857 to 1861.
