Presidential Spotlight: John Tyler

John Tyler

From America’s Library:

Born: March 29, 1790
Died: January 18, 1862

John Tyler, 10th president of the United States, was called “His Accidency” by his foes because he was the first president to get the job without being elected to it. He took the helm when President Harrison died after only one month in office.

Tyler had other “firsts” as president: His first wife was the first wife to die while her husband was still president, and he was the first president to marry while in office.

Tyler was the last of the Virginia aristocrats in the White House. He was a Southerner until his death, even being elected to the Confederate Congress after unsuccessfully trying to keep the Union from dissolving and entering the Civil War. He was the only president who also allied himself with the Confederacy.

More John Tyler stories from America’s Library

John Tyler’s Annual Messages to Congress

Government documents associated with John Tyler

John Tyler Papers (webcast)

John Tyler, Tenth President of the United States

John Tyler books & other texts

John Tyler correspondence

John Tyler historical newspaper coverage through 1863

President Tyler historical newspaper coverage 1841-45

Magazine articles about John Tyler

 

Tyler receiving the news of Harrison’s death April 5, 1841 (engraving/lithograph)

John Tyler images

John Tyler portraits & political cartoons

John Tyler Sherwood Forest home image set

John Tyler’s Lamentation” (sheet music)

More John Tyler sheet music

Poetry by John Tyler

 

Sherwood Forest Plantation: Home of President John Tyler

POTUS: John Tyler

More U.S. President primary source collections & teaching resources