Years in Office: 1857 to 1861

James Buchanan was our only bachelor President. When he was a young man he became engaged. The couple quarreled and broke the engagement. This unhappy affair really upset Buchanan and he vowed to never marry. While president, his niece acted to be the White House hostess.

When Buchanan was president, 7 of the 15 states broke off and created the Confederate States of America. The Pony Express was established and Americans went riding in horse drawn sleighs singing the newest song "Jingle Bells". Three more states were added to the Union. They were Minnesota, Oregon, and Kansas.