James Buchanan Jr. was an American lawyer, diplomat, and politician. He served as the 15th president of the United States from 1857 to 1861, as the secretary of State from 1845 to 1849, and represented Pennsylvania in both houses of the U.S. Congress. He was an advocate for states' rights, particularly regarding slavery, and minimized the role of the federal government preceding the Civil War.
Portrait c. 1850–1868
Buchanan's birthplace
1834 portrait of Buchanan at age 42–43 by Jacob Eichholtz
Bust of James Buchanan by Henry Dexter at the National Portrait Gallery
United States Secretary of State
The United States secretary of state (SecState) is a member of the executive branch of the federal government and the head of the Department of State. The office holder is the second-highest-ranking member of the president's Cabinet, after the vice president, and ranks fourth in the presidential line of succession; first amongst cabinet secretaries.
United States Secretary of State