Franklin Pierce served as the 14th President of the United States from 1853 to 1857. Born in New Hampshire in 1804, he is the only president from that state.
A Democrat and former senator, Pierce was a dark horse nominee who won a lopsided election in 1852.
Key Moments
He signed the Kansas Nebraska Act of 1854, which let settlers decide the slavery question and led to violence known as Bleeding Kansas. His administration also completed the Gadsden Purchase from Mexico, which added land in present day Arizona and New Mexico.
Did You Know
Pierce was the first president to recite his inaugural address from memory. His party declined to renominate him in 1856.
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