The Granite State, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, is also the final resting place of one of America’s most revered presidents. New Hampshire, with its picturesque towns and hearty people, holds a special place in the annals of American history, and the president buried within its borders is a testament to the state’s enduring legacy. In this article, we will delve into the life and times of the president who calls New Hampshire his final home, exploring the events that led to his burial in this beautiful state.
Introduction to the President
The president buried in New Hampshire is Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States. Born on November 23, 1804, in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, Pierce was a lawyer, politician, and soldier who rose to prominence during the mid-19th century. His life was marked by significant events, including his presidency, which spanned from 1853 to 1857. Pierce’s time in office was notable for the Kansas-Nebraska Act, the Gadsden Purchase, and the onset of the American Civil War.
Early Life and Career
Franklin Pierce was the fifth of eight children born to Benjamin Pierce, a Revolutionary War veteran, and Anna Kendrick Pierce. He grew up in a modest home, where his parents instilled in him the values of hard work and education. Pierce attended Bowdoin College in Maine, where he graduated in 1824. After completing his education, he moved to Hillsborough, New Hampshire, to study law. In 1827, he was admitted to the bar and began practicing law in Hillsborough.
Pierce’s entry into politics was marked by his election to the New Hampshire House of Representatives in 1829. He served in the state legislature for several years, gaining valuable experience and making a name for himself as a skilled politician. In 1833, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served for four years. Pierce’s time in Congress was marked by his strong support for the Democratic Party and his advocacy for states’ rights.
Rise to the Presidency
Franklin Pierce’s rise to the presidency was a gradual one. After serving in Congress, he returned to New Hampshire, where he practiced law and served in the state militia. In 1846, he was appointed brigadier general and served in the Mexican-American War. His military service earned him national recognition, and he became a viable candidate for the presidency.
In 1852, Pierce was nominated for president by the Democratic Party, running on a platform that supported the Compromise of 1850 and the Kansas-Nebraska Act. He won the election, defeating Winfield Scott, the Whig candidate. Pierce’s presidency was marked by significant events, including the signing of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed new states to decide whether to allow slavery, and the Gadsden Purchase, which added a significant amount of land to the United States.
Life After the Presidency
After leaving office in 1857, Pierce returned to New Hampshire, where he lived a quiet life. He continued to practice law and remained involved in politics, although he never again sought public office. Pierce’s post-presidency was marked by personal tragedy, including the death of his son, Benjamin, in a train accident.
Despite his personal struggles, Pierce remained committed to his party and his country. He was a vocal critic of the abolitionist movement and the growing tensions leading up to the Civil War. Pierce’s views on slavery and states’ rights have been the subject of much debate among historians, with some viewing him as a champion of Southern rights and others seeing him as a tacit supporter of slavery.
Death and Burial
Franklin Pierce died on October 8, 1869, at the age of 64, due to complications from cirrhosis of the liver. He was buried in Concord, New Hampshire, in the Old North Cemetery. Pierce’s funeral was attended by hundreds of mourners, including prominent politicians and military leaders. His grave is marked by a simple headstone, which bears his name and the dates of his birth and death.
Legacy and Impact
Franklin Pierce’s legacy is complex and multifaceted. His presidency was marked by significant events, including the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the Gadsden Purchase. However, his views on slavery and states’ rights have been widely criticized by historians. Despite his flaws, Pierce remains an important figure in American history, and his burial in New Hampshire is a testament to the state’s enduring legacy.
In conclusion, Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, is the president buried in New Hampshire. His life and times are a fascinating study of American history, marked by significant events, personal tragedy, and enduring legacy. As we reflect on Pierce’s life and presidency, we are reminded of the complexities and challenges of American history, and the importance of understanding the past in order to build a better future.
The following table highlights some key events in Franklin Pierce’s life:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 23, 1804 | Franklin Pierce was born in Hillsborough, New Hampshire |
| 1824 | Pierce graduated from Bowdoin College |
| 1827 | Pierce was admitted to the bar and began practicing law |
| 1852 | Pierce was elected as the 14th President of the United States |
| 1853-1857 | Pierce served as President of the United States |
| October 8, 1869 | Franklin Pierce died in Concord, New Hampshire |
Some notable aspects of Pierce’s life and presidency include:
- He was the only president to affirm his oath of office rather than swear it, due to his personal beliefs
- He oversaw the signing of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed new states to decide whether to allow slavery
- He was a strong supporter of the Democratic Party and the principles of states’ rights
As we reflect on Franklin Pierce’s life and legacy, we are reminded of the enduring impact of American history on our country and our world. His burial in New Hampshire serves as a testament to the state’s rich history and its role in shaping the course of American events.
Which President is Buried in New Hampshire?
The President buried in New Hampshire is Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States. He was born in Hillsboro, New Hampshire, and spent much of his life in the state. After serving as President from 1853 to 1857, Pierce returned to New Hampshire, where he lived until his death in 1869. He is buried in the Old North Cemetery in Concord, New Hampshire, alongside his wife, Jane Means Appleton Pierce. The cemetery is a historic site and a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from across the country who come to pay their respects to the former President.
Pierce’s legacy is complex and multifaceted, reflecting both the accomplishments and challenges of his presidency. During his time in office, he oversaw the signing of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed new states to decide for themselves whether to allow slavery, and the Gadsden Purchase, which added significant territory to the United States. However, his presidency was also marked by controversy and criticism, particularly regarding his handling of the issue of slavery. Despite these complexities, Pierce remains an important figure in American history, and his burial site in New Hampshire serves as a reminder of his enduring legacy.
Where is the Grave of Franklin Pierce Located?
The grave of Franklin Pierce is located in the Old North Cemetery in Concord, New Hampshire. The cemetery is a historic site that dates back to the 18th century and is the final resting place of many notable figures from New Hampshire’s past. Pierce’s grave is marked by a simple headstone, which bears his name and the dates of his birth and death. The grave is also adorned with a flag and a memorial plaque, which provides information about Pierce’s life and presidency. Visitors to the cemetery can view Pierce’s grave and pay their respects to the former President.
The Old North Cemetery is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from across the country who come to explore the historic site and learn more about New Hampshire’s rich history. In addition to Pierce’s grave, the cemetery is home to the graves of many other notable figures, including several governors, senators, and Revolutionary War heroes. The cemetery is maintained by the City of Concord and is open to the public for visitation. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the cemetery, which includes a map and brochure highlighting the most notable graves and historic sites.
What was the Significance of Franklin Pierce’s Presidency?
Franklin Pierce’s presidency was significant for several reasons, including his role in shaping the country’s westward expansion and his handling of the issue of slavery. During his time in office, Pierce oversaw the signing of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed new states to decide for themselves whether to allow slavery. This legislation had a profound impact on the country, contributing to the growing tensions between the North and South that ultimately led to the Civil War. Pierce also played a key role in the Gadsden Purchase, which added significant territory to the United States and helped to establish the country’s borders.
Despite the significance of his presidency, Pierce’s legacy is often overlooked or underappreciated. However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of Pierce’s presidency and the impact it had on the country. Historians and scholars have reevaluated Pierce’s policies and decisions, providing a more nuanced and balanced understanding of his time in office. Today, Pierce is recognized as a complex and multifaceted figure, whose presidency reflected both the opportunities and challenges of his time. His legacy serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of understanding and learning from the past.
How did Franklin Pierce Die?
Franklin Pierce died on October 8, 1869, at the age of 64, due to complications from cirrhosis of the liver. He had struggled with health problems throughout his life, including a bout of pneumonia that nearly killed him in 1852. After leaving office, Pierce returned to New Hampshire, where he lived a relatively quiet life, free from the demands and pressures of politics. However, he continued to drink heavily, which ultimately contributed to his death. Pierce’s death was a significant event, marked by widespread mourning and tributes from across the country.
Pierce’s funeral was held in Concord, New Hampshire, and was attended by thousands of people, including dignitaries and officials from across the state. He was buried in the Old North Cemetery, alongside his wife, Jane, who had died in 1852. The funeral procession was a grand affair, featuring a military band, honor guard, and eulogies from notable figures of the time. Today, Pierce’s grave is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from across the country who come to pay their respects to the former President. Despite the controversies and challenges of his presidency, Pierce’s death was widely mourned, and his legacy has endured as an important part of American history.
What is the Franklin Pierce Legacy?
The Franklin Pierce legacy is complex and multifaceted, reflecting both the accomplishments and challenges of his presidency. During his time in office, Pierce oversaw significant events and policies, including the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the Gadsden Purchase. However, his presidency was also marked by controversy and criticism, particularly regarding his handling of the issue of slavery. Today, Pierce is recognized as a significant figure in American history, whose legacy continues to shape our understanding of the country’s past.
Despite the challenges and controversies of his presidency, Pierce’s legacy has endured, and he remains an important figure in American history. In New Hampshire, where he was born and raised, Pierce is remembered as a native son and a prominent figure in the state’s history. The Franklin Pierce Homestead, which is located in Hillsboro, New Hampshire, is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a glimpse into the life and times of the former President. Today, Pierce’s legacy serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of understanding and learning from the past, and his presidency continues to be studied and debated by historians and scholars.
Can I Visit the Franklin Pierce Grave?
Yes, the Franklin Pierce grave is open to the public and can be visited at the Old North Cemetery in Concord, New Hampshire. The cemetery is a historic site that is maintained by the City of Concord, and it is open to visitors throughout the year. The grave is located in a quiet section of the cemetery, surrounded by other notable graves and historic sites. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the cemetery, which includes a map and brochure highlighting the most notable graves and historic sites.
Visitors to the cemetery can view Pierce’s grave and pay their respects to the former President. The grave is marked by a simple headstone, which bears Pierce’s name and the dates of his birth and death. The grave is also adorned with a flag and a memorial plaque, which provides information about Pierce’s life and presidency. In addition to visiting the grave, visitors can also explore the nearby Franklin Pierce Manse, which is a historic house museum that showcases the life and times of the former President. The manse is located in downtown Concord and offers guided tours and exhibits on Pierce’s life and legacy.