Martin Van Buren: America's Eighth President and Political Legacy

On July 24th, 1862, about 2:00 am, Martin Van Buren passed away at his home, Lindenwald, in Kinderhook, New York. He was 79 years old. Van Buren, who died in 1862, was born on Dec. 5, 1782. He grew up speaking Dutch, which made him the first president who did not speak English as his first language. Our eighth president - the first born an American citizen - was a polished politician with out-there sideburns, best known for creating our modern two-party political system.

Martin Van Buren was the eighth President of the United States (1837-1841), after serving as the eighth Vice President and the tenth Secretary of State. During his presidency, he faced economic challenges such as the Panic of 1837, which led to a severe economic depression throughout the country. Despite this, Van Buren was known for his ability to navigate the political landscape and maintain a strong party base.

In his 1837 presidential inaugural address, Martin Van Buren boasted about how canals and steamships were connecting once inaccessible areas, emphasizing the importance of transportation infrastructure for national development. He also advocated for a limited government role in economic affairs, supporting the principle of laissez-faire economics.

Martin Van Buren's first run for a second term presents some parallels with the 2020 presidential contest. Like many modern politicians, Van Buren faced challenges within his own party and had to navigate a divisive political climate. Ultimately, he was unsuccessful in his bid for re-election, losing to William Henry Harrison in 1840.

Van Buren's political legacy extends beyond his presidency, as he continued to be involved in politics and attempted a comeback later in his career. Along with other former presidents such as Millard Fillmore, Ulysses S. Grant, Grover Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt, and Herbert Hoover, Van Buren sought to return to the White House after leaving office.

Overall, Martin Van Buren's contributions to American politics and his role in shaping the two-party system have left a lasting impact on the country's political landscape. His emphasis on infrastructure development and limited government intervention in the economy continue to be relevant topics in today's political debates.