Thomas Hart Benton

Democrat Representative of Missouri's 1st district

Congresses Served

House Terms

Senate Terms

March 14, 1782 (76 years old)

Birthday

April 10, 1858

Death

Nicknamed “Old Bullion”
Was an American politician, attorney, soldier, and a longtime United States Senator
An architect and champion of westward expansion, a cause known as Manifest Destiny
Served in the Senate for five terms from 1821 to 1851, the first to do so
Expelled from the University of North Carolina in 1799 for theft
Established a law practice and plantation near Nashville, Tennessee, before moving to Missouri
Served as an aide to General Andrew Jackson during the War of 1812
Became a leading Democratic figure in the Senate, supporting Presidents Jackson and Van Buren
Advocated for the annexation of Texas and the partition of Oregon Country
Authored the first Homestead Act to grant land to settlers
Initially a slave owner, he opposed slavery after the Mexican–American War
Opposed the Compromise of 1850, damaging his popularity in Missouri
Served in the United States House of Representatives from 1852 to 1854
Published an autobiography and a legal examination of the Dred Scott case
Died in Washington, D.C., in 1858
Related to several prominent figures, including son-in-law John C. Frémont
Counties in seven states are named after him, reflecting his national influence and legacy