James Buchanan Was the Only Bachelor President

The 15th President of the United States, James Buchanan Jr., was an American lawyer, diplomat, and politician who presided over the country from 1857 to 1861. He had previously represented Pennsylvania in both houses of the United States Congress, and served as Secretary of State from 1845 to 1849. He downplayed the significance of the federal government in the years leading up to the Civil War and was an advocate for states' rights, particularly with regard to slavery. The final president to be born in the 18th century was Buchanan.

Today, the existence of a First Lady for the President is taken for granted. If a woman is married and elected, her husband will probably be referred to as the First Gentleman. As the only President to date who was elected while single, James Buchanan threw this tradition for a little bit of a loop.

Years before taking office, he became engaged, but just before the wedding, he called it quits. His niece Harriet Lane served as his "kind of" First Lady throughout his term in office. She allegedly carried out a lot of the same duties as past First Ladies and as a result gained a decent amount of popularity.

• 15th President of the United States

Born: April 23, 1791Cove Gap, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died: June 1, 1868 (aged 77)Lancaster, Pennsylvania, U.S.