“...plain republicans of the north and planters of the south.”
Politics before the Civil War was a whirlwind of opposing interest groups. Martin Van Buren was able to unite those groups becoming president in 1837. As frustration and violence over the extension of slavery grew in the 1840's, Van Buren ran for the presidency twice more from this house. He hoped to unite sectional interests but failed; ultimately so did the union.
Features
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The Real Story: Historic Research
Discover the details of the antebellum period of American history. Here’s a direct link to investigations by NPS historians and other noted scholars.
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Can't get to Kinderhook? Take a virtual tour.
Unable to make the trip to Columbia County and Kinderhook. No problem. Check out the park's virtual tour of the President's beloved home.
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Find out here what to do and where to go.
Whether you want to visit as an individual, with your family or part of a group, this is the place to do all of your advanced planning.
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Did You Know?
Lindenwald, Martin Van Buren's home and farm, was purchased in 1839 for $14,000? Van Buren's purchase consisted of a 16 room Federal style mansion and over 130 acres of farm land.