James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States, has been subject to much historical speculation regarding his personal life.
This is particularly due to his bachelorhood and his close relationship with William Rufus King.
Here’s what we know about these intriguing aspects of his life.
Relationship with William Rufus King
James Buchanan formed a close and potentially deep bond with William Rufus King, a Senator from Alabama who went on to become Vice President.
In Washington D.C. society, the pair were often referred to playfully as the “Siamese twins” due to their inseparable nature.
While some historians hint at the possibility of a romantic angle, others suggest that it was a profound friendship, emblematic of the intimate male friendships which were common in the 19th century.
Their correspondence often included affectionate language, with Buchanan describing King as his “better half.” This has led some to postulate that Buchanan could have been bisexual.
Bachelorhood and Lack of Children
Buchanan remains the only bachelor President in the history of the United States, never marrying throughout his life.
This unique status was unusual and noteworthy, as it was a role typically occupied by a man with a wife and children.
Despite being a bachelor, Buchanan was known to adopt and support his nieces and nephews, which suggests that he did hold a role within a family structure, even if it was not one that he originated himself.
Connections to Ann Coleman
Prior to his presidency, Buchanan was engaged to Ann Coleman, a woman from a wealthy Pennsylvania family.
However, the engagement ended abruptly, and Coleman died shortly afterward under circumstances which remain the subject of speculation.
Some believe the broken engagement and her tragic death deeply affected Buchanan and could be one reason he never sought marriage again.
Political Career and Presidency
James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States, served from 1857 to 1861 during a tumultuous era leading up to the Civil War.
Notably, he remains the only bachelor president in American history.
Buchanan’s Time in Office
James Buchanan, hailing from Pennsylvania, brought a wealth of experience to the White House after serving in Congress and as Minister to the United Kingdom.
His presidency was marked by a series of complex challenges, including rising tensions between the Northern and Southern states.
Buchanan’s administration faced criticism for its handling of issues such as the Dred Scott Decision and economic instability, which are often cited by historians in discussions about his legacy.
Stance on Slavery and Civil War
As the country edged closer to the brink of civil war, Buchanan’s stance on slavery and sectionalism was characterized by his support for popular sovereignty.
This allowed states to decide the legality of slavery themselves.
This stance did little to quell the escalating tensions, and Buchanan faced harsh criticism for his inaction as conflict grew more imminent.
Abraham Lincoln would inherit a deeply divided nation upon Buchanan’s departure from office.
Buchanan’s perceived ineffectiveness in preventing the Civil War has led some to label him as one of the worst presidents in American history.
Historical Debate Over Buchanan’s Sexuality
The sexuality of James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States, has been a topic of discussion and speculation among historians and the public alike.
As America’s only bachelor president, his personal life, especially his close relationship with William Rufus King, has intrigued many.
Assessment by Historians
Historians are divided on Buchanan’s sexuality, with no definitive conclusion.
Some biographers suggest that Buchanan was simply a lifelong bachelor, while others posit that his closeness with Senator King, whom he lived with for a time, points to a possible homosexual relationship.
Historians often refer to the pair as “bosom friends,” a term that might have suggested a deeper companionship in the context of their time.
Analysis of Correspondences
Letters exchanged between Buchanan and King provide the most direct insight into their relationship.
In one, Buchanan laments the departure of King, who he referred to as “Aunt Nancy” while King called Buchanan “Miss Nancy.”
The use of these euphemisms might mirror the intimate nature of their bond, which some modern-day scholars interpret as evidence of a romantic partnership.
However, without explicit acknowledgment of a sexual relationship, the nature of their correspondence remains open to interpretation.
Public Perception and Euphemisms
During Buchanan’s era, men often formed close platonic relationships.
However, the contemporary public often applies a modern understanding of sexual identity when revisiting historical figures.
The term “bachelor president” may reflect society’s retrospective curiosity about Buchanan’s personal life.
Euphemisms such as “Aunt Nancy” or “Old Buck,” commonly used then, do not directly link Buchanan to being openly gay, but they continue to fuel speculation about his sexual orientation.
The fascination with Buchanan’s private life attests to a broader cultural interest in the personal stories of historical figures and how they intersect with evolving definitions of identity and norms.