Key Facts
- Term
- 1837--1841
- Party
- Democratic
- Vice President
- Richard Mentor Johnson
- First Lady
- Hannah Van Buren (died before presidency)
- Home State
- New York
- Born
- 1782
- Died
- 1862
Biography
Martin Van Buren was born in 1782 in Kinderhook, New York. He became a skilled lawyer and political organizer, earning the nickname "The Little Magician."
Van Buren won the presidency in 1836 as Jackson's chosen successor, but his term was immediately consumed by the Panic of 1837.
Key Events & Accomplishments
- Faced the Panic of 1837, a devastating economic depression
- Established the Independent Treasury system
Election Results
| Year | Opponent | Electoral Vote | Popular Vote |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1836 | William Henry Harrison and others | 170-124 | +14.2% |
Notable Quotes
“It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn't.”
Did You Know?
- Van Buren was the first president born as a U.S. citizen.