Skip header and navigation

Revise Search

10 records – page 1 of 1.

Collection
Wheatland
Object ID
W.1952.002.002
  1 image  
Collection
Wheatland
Description
Lithograph- Print of Prince Albert from Painting by F. Winterhalter; black ink, oval background. Prince Albert- body is 1/2 to his right, head is 1/4 to the right, looking forward. Wearing military dress with medals. Signed 'Albert'
F. Winterhalter painted the original. J. A. Vinter, engraver. Day & Son, lithographer.
Provenance
Queen Victoria
To - Prince Edward (her son)
To - Harriet Lane Johnston
To - Patty Lane (Niece)
To - Patty Lane Fay Eldridge (Great Niece)
To - James Buchanan Foundation
LancasterHistory
Year Range From
1858
Year Range To
1860
Creator
Winterhalter, F.
Vinter, J. A.
Day & Son
Made By
Day & Son
Last Owner
Johnston, Harriet Lane
Storage Location
Wheatland, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Sitting Room
Storage Wall
South Wall
People
Victoria, Queen of England
Albert, Prince Consort
Edward, Prince of Wales
Johnston, Harriet Lane
Subcategory
Need to Classify
Search Terms
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Frame
yes
Object Name
Lithograph
Material
Paper/Wood
Medium
Lithograph
Makers Mark
Painted By F. Winterhalter' 'On Stone by J.A. Vinter', 'Day & Son, Lithrs to th
Height (in)
36
Width (in)
29.625
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2023-05-08
Object ID
W.1952.002.002
Place of Origin
London, England
Accession Number
W.1952.002
Images
Less detail
Collection
Wheatland
Object ID
W.1952.002.003
  1 image  
Collection
Wheatland
Description
Lithograph of Edward Albert, Prince of Wales. Black ink, oblong background. Prince Edward Albert- body is 1/2 to his right, head is 1/4 to the left, looking forward. Wearing a cap with visor, holding a telescope tucked under his arm and wearing a saber and sheath on waist.
Original photograph by Lake Price. S. Mitchell, Publisher and Bookseller. M & N Hanhart, printer. Lynch, lithographer.
Provenance
Queen Victoria
To - Prince Edward (her son)
To - Harriet Lane Johnston
To - Patty Lane (Niece)
To - Patty Lane Fay Eldridge (Great Niece)
To - James Buchanan Foundation
LancasterHistory
Year Range From
1859
Year Range To
1860
Creator
Price, Lake
Mitchell, S.
M. & N. Hanhart
Made By
Lynch
Last Owner
Johnston, Harriet Lane
Storage Location
Wheatland, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Library
Storage Wall
South Wall
People
Prince Edward Albert, Prince of Wales
Harriet Lane
Search Terms
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Object Name
Lithograph
Material
Paper/Wood
Makers Mark
Lake Price, Photograph from Life. Printed by M & N Hanhart; published by S. Mitchell Publisher & Bookseller 18 April 1859.
Height (cm)
71.12
Height (ft)
2.3333333333
Height (in)
28
Width (cm)
57.785
Width (ft)
1.8958333333
Width (in)
22.75
Dimension Details
Measurements for frame
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2023-05-16
Object ID
W.1952.002.003
Place of Origin
London, England
Accession Number
W.1952.002
Images
Less detail
Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 1 James Buchanan
Title
Letter from James Buchanan to Elliott Eskridge Lane
Object ID
JBFP 1.1.1.071
Date Range
1855/11/30
  2 documents     4 images  
Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 1 James Buchanan
Title
Letter from James Buchanan to Elliott Eskridge Lane
Description
Letter from James Buchanan to Eskridge Lane giving Harriet complete control over the furnishing of Wheatland; expressing satisfaction with his investments except for railroad bonds; showing his extreme unhappiness with his position in England, but determining to remain there until someone is nominated for the Presidency, which he does not want and will not seek. Legation of the United States, London.
Date Range
1855/11/30
Creator
Buchanan, James, 1791-1868
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Container
JBFP Part 1, Box 1
People
Buchanan, James
Lane, Elliott Eskridge
Johnston, Harriet Lane
Subjects
Personal correspondence
Letters
Presidential elections
Presidential candidates
Search Terms
Correspondence
Correspondence, Personal
Letters
Presidential elections
Presidential candidates
Harriet Lane Johnston
James Buchanan
Buchanan Collections
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Extent
1 item, 4 pages to scan, 7.5 x 9 in.
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Parent Object ID
JBFP Part 1 Series 1
Object ID
JBFP 1.1.1.071
Associated Material
James Buchanan Papers, Dickinson College Archives & Special Collections,
http://archives.dickinson.edu/collection-descriptions/james-buchanan-papers
James Buchanan and Harriet Lane Johnston Papers, Library of Congress,
https://www.loc.gov/collections/james-buchanan-and-harriet-lane-johnston-papers/
James Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania,
http://www2.hsp.org/collections/manuscripts/b/Buchanan0091.html
James Buchanan Papers, Penn State University Libraries,
https://libraries.psu.edu/findingaids/1458.htm
Related Item Notes
James Buchanan Family Papers
MG-96 James Buchanan Collection
Historical Society of Pennsylvania microfilm
Photograph collections
Curatorial collections
Wheatland Mansion
Notes
May 2020 PastPerfect Conversion
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Accession Number
JBMS1995.194
Other Number
JBFP Part 1, Series 1, Subseries 1, Folder 71
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
The James Buchanan Family Papers were collected by the James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland. This collection was relocated from the Wheatland mansion to the LancasterHistory archives in the Spring of 2009. Digitization of the James Buchanan Family Papers was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 201808013051, 2019-2020.
Images
Documents
Less detail
Collection
Wheatland
Object ID
W.1949.012.001
Date Range
1872
  1 image  
Collection
Wheatland
Description
Oval platter, slightly scalloped edge with coat of arms, white porcelain with double gold bands at border. Gold laurel leaves between coat-of-arms (raised arm with dagger) monogrammed in gold. Manufacture nationale de Sèvres, France. Designed by Jacquel.
Provenance
Harriet Lane & Henry Elliot Johnston
To Mary Speer (cousin)
To Mrs. Francis H. Denny
To Mr. & Mrs. Talbot T. Speer (cousin)
To James Buchanan Foundation
LancasterHistory
Date Range
1872
Made By
Manufacture nationale de Sèvres
Last Owner
Johnston, Harriet Lane
Storage Location
Wheatland, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Dining Room
Storage Wall
East Wall
Storage Cabinet
Built-in Cupboard
Storage Shelf
Bottom Shelf
People
Johnston, Harriet Lane
Johnston, Henry Elliot
Subcategory
Need to Classify
Search Terms
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Inscription Language
French
Inscription Position
Bottom
Inscription Technique
Pen and Ink
Inscription Text
Jacquel
rue de la Sain 3
Paris
Inscription Type
Signature
Object Name
Platter
Material
Porcelain
Length (cm)
44.45
Length (ft)
1.4583333333
Length (in)
17.5
Width (cm)
30.48
Width (ft)
1
Width (in)
12
Condition
Excellent
Condition Date
2022-10-19
Object ID
W.1949.012.001
Place of Origin
Paris, France
Accession Number
W.1949.012
Images
Less detail
Collection
Wheatland
Object ID
W.1989.050.001
Collection
Wheatland
Description
Glass wine rinsers. Narrow spouts. Thumbprint design approximately halfway up.
Provenance
Purportedly belonged to Harriet Lane - no documentation. Donated by Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Bryan (1986)
Year Range From
1820
Year Range To
1860
Last Owner
Johnston, Harriet Lane
Storage Location
Wheatland, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Parlor
Storage Wall
Southeast Wall
Storage Cabinet
Sideboard
Storage Shelf
Bottom Shelf
Storage Drawer
Center Bottom Cabinet
People
Johnston, Harriet Lane
Subcategory
Need to Classify
Search Terms
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Object Name
Bowl, Wine Rinser
Material
Glass
Height (in)
3.625
Width (in)
5.25
Diameter (in)
4.375
Dimension Details
Width is spout to spout.
Condition
Excellent
Condition Notes
One wine rinser is cracked, all others in excellent condition.
Object ID
W.1989.050.001
Notes
Excellent condition, except for one that is cracked. Purportedly belonged to Harriet Lane, no documentation.
Credit
Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Bryan
Accession Number
W.1989.050
Less detail
Collection
Wheatland
Object ID
W.1989.082.001
  1 image  
Collection
Wheatland
Description
Photograph of Harriet Lane. Harriet Lane in studio photo facing 3/4 front to her right. Head turned front. Hands clasped at front, holding white handkerchief. Hair braided at sides, wrapped at back. Wearing silk gown, medium colored, with white collar. Mounted in an American 1850 scoop picture frame with a rustic tree branch motif.
Photograph on display in Wheatland is a digital reproduction. Original photgraph moved to archives for conservation purposes.
Provenance
Matthew Brady
To - Harriet Lane Johnston
Year Range From
1857
Year Range To
1861
Creator
Brady, Mathew
Made By
Brady, Mathew
Last Owner
Johnston, Harriet Lane
Storage Location
Wheatland, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Staircase
Storage Wall
North Wall
People
Johnston, Harriet Lane
Brady, Matthew
Subcategory
Need to Classify
Search Terms
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Object Name
Photograph
Material
Paper
Height (in)
18.875
Length (in)
22.25
Depth (in)
2.313
Dimension Details
Dimensions given are for frame.
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2009-07-27
Condition Notes
To be removed from frame and stored in archival safe folder.
Object ID
W.1989.082.001
Notes
Original photograph removed from frame on 27 July 2009 - placed in archival storage for conservation purposes. (East Attic, flat files). Photograph and frame both bear the number 89.82.
Place of Origin
Washington, DC
Accession Number
W.1989.082
Images
Less detail
Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 1 James Buchanan
Title
Letter from James Buchanan to Harriet Lane
Object ID
JBFP 1.1.1.157a
Date Range
1864/10/03
  2 documents     2 images  
Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 1 James Buchanan
Title
Letter from James Buchanan to Harriet Lane
Description
Letter from James Buchanan to Harriet Lane recounting the news from Wheatland including Annie’s arrival; Mr. Jenkins’ speech; dining at the McEvoys’; Judge Black’s enquiry about Harriet’s visit; Professor Falk’s new bride (a widow named Charles with two children); Buchanan’s visit to Mr. Baker’s including other guests Mr. Brinton, Mr. Hopkins (absent with daughter in Philadelphia), and Miss Emily; Miss Dougherty’s reception; Harriet’s visit to Washington should include Lily and Mr. Macalester; Dr. Carpenter’s treatment of Mr. Heister; Buchanan’s feelings on McClellan’s changes in the election; the vigor of the Democratic Party; and Miss Harriet and Miss Blanche as well as Miss Hetty’s good wishes. Envelope addressed to Harriet Lane at Oxford Church P. O. Philadelphia. Wheatland.
Date Range
1864/10/03
Creator
Buchanan, James, 1791-1868
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Container
JBFP Part 1, Box 2
People
Baker, Joseph Boyd
Black, Jeremiah Sullivan
Nevin, Blanche
Brinton, Mr.
Buchanan, James
Carpenter, Henry
Dougherty, Miss
Johnston, Harriet Lane
Hiester, Isaac Ellmaker
Parker, Esther "Miss Hetty"
Jenkins, Mr.
Laughton, Eliza Lytle "Lily" Macalester Berghmans
Macalester, Charles
McEvoy, Patrick
McClellan, George Brinton
Falk, Frederick William Alexander
Falk, Martha R. Charles
Subjects
Personal correspondence
Letters
Presidential elections
Elections
Democratic Party (U.S.)
Search Terms
Correspondence
Correspondence, Personal
Letters
Presidential elections
Elections
Democratic Party (U.S.)
Harriet Lane Johnston
James Buchanan
Buchanan Collections
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Extent
1 item, 2 pages to scan, 8 x 8.5 in.
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Parent Object ID
JBFP Part 1 Series 1
Object ID
JBFP 1.1.1.157a
Associated Material
James Buchanan Papers, Dickinson College Archives & Special Collections,
http://archives.dickinson.edu/collection-descriptions/james-buchanan-papers
James Buchanan and Harriet Lane Johnston Papers, Library of Congress,
https://www.loc.gov/collections/james-buchanan-and-harriet-lane-johnston-papers/
James Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania,
http://www2.hsp.org/collections/manuscripts/b/Buchanan0091.html
James Buchanan Papers, Penn State University Libraries,
https://libraries.psu.edu/findingaids/1458.htm
Related Item Notes
James Buchanan Family Papers
MG-96 James Buchanan Collection
Historical Society of Pennsylvania microfilm
Photograph collections
Curatorial collections
Wheatland Mansion
Notes
May 2020 PastPerfect Conversion
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Accession Number
JBMS1997.066
Other Number
JBFP Part 1, Series 1, Subseries 1, Folder 157a
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
The James Buchanan Family Papers were collected by the James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland. This collection was relocated from the Wheatland mansion to the LancasterHistory archives in the Spring of 2009. Digitization of the James Buchanan Family Papers was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 201808013051, 2019-2020.
Images
Documents
Less detail
Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 2 Harriet Lane Johnston
Title
Letter from Harriet Lane to Lily Macalester
Object ID
JBFP 2.1.1.003d
Date Range
1856/11/04
  2 documents     4 images  
Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 2 Harriet Lane Johnston
Title
Letter from Harriet Lane to Lily Macalester
Description
Letter from Harriet Lane to Lily Macalester asking her pardon for not writing earlier; Mrs. Plitt still at Wheatland; Uncle well and calm as he awaits the outcome of the election today; wishing Lily had written more as a political writer; Robert Eden’s former dark red moustache; Eskridge getting along well using a crutch and cane; the toll that the campaign took on the family; in the election “right will prevail”; Emily Schaumburg’s staying with the Porters; Colonel Pleasonton’s engagement to a widow with many children and Addy’s reaction; and suggests that Lily’s father might follow the same example to give Lily some children to play with. Photocopy; the original is in the library of Mount Vernon Ladies Association. Wheatland.
Date Range
1856/11/04
Creator
Johnston, Harriet Lane, 1830-1903
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Container
JBFP Part 2, Box 1
People
Johnston, Harriet Lane
Laughton, Eliza Lytle "Lily" Macalester Berghmans
Plitt, Sophia Wager
Schaumburg, Emily
Eden, Robert
Pleasonton, Colonel
Lane, Elliott Eskridge
Subjects
Personal correspondence
Letters
Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union
Elections
Presidential elections
Political campaigns
Search Terms
Correspondence
Correspondence, Personal
Letters
Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union
Harriet Lane Johnston
Buchanan Collections
James Buchanan
Elections
Presidential elections
Political campaigns
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Extent
1 item, 6 pages to scan, 8.5 x 11 in.
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Parent Object ID
JBFP Part 2 Series 1
Object ID
JBFP 2.1.1.003d
Location of Originals
The original is in the collection of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, Mount Vernon, Virginia.
Associated Material
James Buchanan Papers, Dickinson College Archives & Special Collections,
http://archives.dickinson.edu/collection-descriptions/james-buchanan-papers
James Buchanan and Harriet Lane Johnston Papers, Library of Congress,
https://www.loc.gov/collections/james-buchanan-and-harriet-lane-johnston-papers/
James Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania,
http://www2.hsp.org/collections/manuscripts/b/Buchanan0091.html
James Buchanan Papers, Penn State University Libraries,
https://libraries.psu.edu/findingaids/1458.htm
Related Item Notes
James Buchanan Family Papers
MG-96 James Buchanan Collection
Historical Society of Pennsylvania microfilm
Photograph collections
Curatorial collections
Wheatland Mansion
Notes
May 2020 PastPerfect Conversion
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Accession Number
JBMS1995.402m
Other Number
JBFP Part 2, Series 1, Subseries 1, Folder 3d
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
The James Buchanan Family Papers were collected by the James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland. This collection was relocated from the Wheatland mansion to the LancasterHistory archives in the Spring of 2009. Digitization of the James Buchanan Family Papers was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 201808013051, 2019-2020.
Images
Documents
Less detail
Collection
James Buchanan Collection
Title
James Buchanan Collection
Object ID
MG0096
Date Range
1816-present
  1 document  
Collection
James Buchanan Collection
Title
James Buchanan Collection
Description
The James Buchanan Collection, 1816-present, contains material that pertains to the life and legacy of James Buchanan and his Lancaster home, Wheatland. The collection includes correspondence of James Buchanan and letters written by his niece, Harriet Lane Johnston. Newspaper articles discuss Buchanan's life and Wheatland, tell the story of Buchanan's romance with Ann Coleman, and report on commemorative events. Legal and personal business are represented by deeds, financial matters, and Buchanan's probate records.
Political papers include the Presidential appointment of Buchanan as Minister to Russia, certification to represent Pennsylvania in the U.S. Senate, and a series of letters regarding the Atlantic slave trade in 1819 and Liberia in 1858. In letters, Buchanan outlined his reasons for not wanting to run for Governor, wrote about the confidence bestowed on him by the Democratic Party, and established a fund for the city of Lancaster to purchase wood and coal for poor women during the winter. After the Crimean War, Buchanan wrote to the ambassador to the United Kingdom and observed that Russia seemed to be intent on recovering its military prestige and had made vast naval preparations.
There is an assortment of ephemera, such as programs for memorial celebrations, material related to John Updike's play Buchanan Dying, commemorative stamps, sheet music, and invitations. Souvenir pamphlets from Wheatland provide history about Buchanan's home and the museum. Speeches range from those given by Buchanan to several that honor his life and Presidency. A scrapbook describes the establishment of Wheatland as a museum and contains newspaper articles about archaeology on the site in 1948.
Admin/Biographical History
James Buchanan was born on April 23, 1791 to James Buchanan and Elizabeth Speer. He was the second child born out of ten children, and he would go on to outlive all but one of his siblings. Most popularly remembered as Pennsylvania's only President and as a lifelong bachelor, Buchanan committed a lifetime to politics. In 1821, he left his law practice and embarked on his political career after having been voted into the U.S. House of Representatives. He would remain in the House for five consecutive terms before serving as the U.S. Minister to Russia, a Senator in the U.S. Senate, the U.S. Secretary of State, the U.S. Minister to Great Britain, and finally, the 15th President of the United States. He died in his bedchamber at Wheatland at 8:30 AM on June 1, 1868. He was 77 years old.
Date Range
1816-present
Creation Date
1816-present
Year Range From
1816
Creator
LancasterHistory (Organization)
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 03
People
Buchanan, James
Johnston, Harriet Lane
Other Creators
Buchanan, James (1791-1868)
Subjects
Ambassadors
Historic houses
Legal documents
Legislators--United States
Letters
Memorials
Monuments
Personal correspondence
Presidents--United States
Russia
Slavery
Statues
Wheatland (Lancaster, Pa.)
Search Terms
Ambassadors
Buchanan Collections
Historic houses
James Buchanan
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Legal documents
Letters
Memorials
Monuments
Correspondence, Personal
Presidents
Russia
Senators, United States
Slavery
Statues
Wheatland
Extent
2 boxes, 80 folders, 1 scrapbook, 1 oversized item, 4 cubic ft.
Object Name
Archive
Language
English
Object ID
MG0096
Location of Originals
Location of originals is noted when known.
Newspaper articles were preserved as photocopies.
Associated Material
James Buchanan Papers, Dickinson College Archives & Special Collections http://archives.dickinson.edu/collection-descriptions/james-buchanan-papers
James Buchanan and Harriet Lane Johnston Papers, Library of Congress https://www.loc.gov/collections/james-buchanan-and-harriet-lane-johnston-papers/
James Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, http://www2.hsp.org/collections/manuscripts/b/Buchanan0091.html
James Buchanan Papers, Penn State University Libraries, https://libraries.psu.edu/findingaids/1458.htm
Related Item Notes
James Buchanan Family Papers (JBFP)
Historical Society of Pennsylvania microfilm in the LancasterHistory Research Library
LancasterHistory Library collection
Photograph collection
Curatorial collection
Wheatland Mansion
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available.
Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material. Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
To make a request, please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Classification
MG0096
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Digitization of the James Buchanan Collection was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 201808013051, 2019-2020.
James Buchanan and Wheatland Scrapbook, February 1936-May
1948 was cataloged as part of a project funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, ME60112, 2007-2008.
Documents
Less detail
Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers
Title
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 1 Papers of James Buchanan, Series 1 Correspondence
Object ID
JBFP Part 1 Series 1
  1 document  
Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers
Title
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 1 Papers of James Buchanan, Series 1 Correspondence
Description
The James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 1, Papers of James Buchanan, Series 1 Correspondence, Subseries 1 contains letters to James Buchanan and Subseries 2 contains letters from James Buchanan. Within these subseries, the letters are arranged chronologically, dating from 1819-1868.
This collection contains letters, both to and from James Buchanan. The letters from Buchanan range from the different periods of his life-as a private citizen and lawyer, senator, and ambassador to Russia and Britain; his Presidential term from 1857 to 1861; and his later years until his death in 1868. The earlier letters include details of his travels, political matters and the military, social engagements and responsibilities, his responsibilities as a political figure, and accounts of family chatter and gossip. He also discusses at length, in his letters to and about Harriet Lane, his opinions of whom she should marry, his opinions about her social encounters and interactions, her living situations, and her livelihood. Buchanan also often wrote about his Christian beliefs, especially during the later years of his life. Letters from his later years detail the day-to-day life at home in Wheatland, including some of his guests, his servants, and his illnesses as the end of his life neared.
The letters that are addressed to James Buchanan range in different topics, concerning military affairs, political and legal information, and family chatter. Other letters include details of Buchanan's financial matters that are in reference to loans, Buchanan's investments and purchases, deeds and bonds. There are also a number of thank-you letters and notes of recommendation.
Many of the letters are to his niece, Harriet Lane and nephew, James Buchanan Henry. Other correspondents are H. B. Swarr, Henry A. Muhlenberg, family members, Francis Scott Key, Riggs & Co., James L. Reynolds, and many political colleagues.
Admin/Biographical History
James Buchanan was born on April 23, 1791 to James Buchanan and Elizabeth Speer. He was the second child born out of ten children, and he would go on to outlive all but one of his siblings. Most popularly remembered as Pennsylvania's only President and as a lifelong bachelor, Buchanan committed a lifetime to politics. In 1821, he left his law practice and embarked on his political career after having been voted into the U.S. House of Representatives. He would remain in the House for five consecutive terms before serving as the U.S. Minister to Russia, a Senator in the U.S. Senate, the U.S. Secretary of State, the U.S. Minister to Great Britain, and finally, the 15th President of the United States. He died in his bedchamber at Wheatland at 8:30 AM on June 1, 1868. He was 77 years old. [https://www.lancasterhistory.org/about-wheatland, accessed 10/24/2019]
System of Arrangement
JBFP Part 1 Series 1 Correspondence
Subseries 1 Letters from James Buchanan
Subseries 2 Letters to James Buchanan
Year Range From
1819
Year Range To
1868
Creator
Buchanan, James, 1791-1868
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
People
Buchanan, James
Johnston, Harriet Lane
Henry, James Buchanan
Swarr, Hiram Behm
Other Creators
James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland (Lancaster, Pa.)
Subjects
Letters
Personal correspondence
Search Terms
Letters
Correspondence, Personal
James Buchanan
Harriet Lane Johnston
Buchanan Collections
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Extent
4 boxes, 365 folders, 2 cubic ft.
Object Name
Correspondence
Language
English, French
Object ID
JBFP Part 1 Series 1
Associated Material
James Buchanan Papers, Dickinson College Archives & Special Collections http://archives.dickinson.edu/collection-descriptions/james-buchanan-papers
James Buchanan and Harriet Lane Johnston Papers, Library of Congress https://www.loc.gov/collections/james-buchanan-and-harriet-lane-johnston-papers/
James Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, http://www2.hsp.org/collections/manuscripts/b/Buchanan0091.html
James Buchanan Papers, Penn State University Libraries, https://libraries.psu.edu/findingaids/1458.htm
Related Item Notes
James Buchanan Family Papers
James Buchanan Collection, MG0096
Historical Society of Pennsylvania microfilm in the LancasterHistory Research Library
Photograph collections
Curatorial collections
Wheatland Mansion
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available.
Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material. Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Description Level
Series
Custodial History
The James Buchanan Family Papers were collected by the James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland. This collection was relocated from the Wheatland mansion to the LancasterHistory archives in the Spring of 2009. Digitization of the James Buchanan Family Papers was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 201808013051, 2019-2020.
Documents
Less detail

10 records – page 1 of 1.