The Surprising Story Of The Man Who Was President For One Day

There is one historical figure who may not be well-known but holds the distinction of having been president for a day. You may not have read about him in books or learned about him in school, but he existed nonetheless.

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t indulged in a game of “what if” at some point in their lives. This game allows us to consider different scenarios and how we might react or make choices in hypothetical situations.

David Rice Atchison was born in the town of Lexington, Kentucky, in 1807. His history is intriguing but somewhat mysterious. After completing his legal education and establishing himself as a lawyer, he decided to relocate his practice to Missouri.

Joseph Smith is well-known as the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, now more commonly referred to as the Mormon Church. However, this church did not always enjoy the general acceptance it has today. In fact, there was a time in history Mormons were not welcome in Jackson County, Missouri.

In 1838, tensions were high, and the Militia had become agitated. At this time, numerous allegations were being made against the Mormon community, and many members faced persecution and discrimination. So, Atchison decided to stand up for the Mormon members and defend them the way he knew how to–by law.

As Kentucky continued to grow and prosper, the state needed representation in the US Senate. Many looked to Atchison for the role, and he was highly favored to take the spot. The young lawyer from Kentucky had already made a name for himself and enjoyed widespread respect among his compatriots.

Atchison had already gained the firm support and backing of the Mormon community in his home state of Kentucky and beyond. Primarily due to his efforts to defend and protect their rights. In addition, he possessed a certain charm that made him popular among the people.

As a political figure, Atchison was known by all for supporting the freedom of religion. He was an advocate for this particular fundamental issue. However, despite this belief, Atchison was also a vocal and avid supporter of slavery. He actively and openly opposed the abolitionist movement. Atchison was even known for threatening those not pro-slavery. This harsh take showed the depth of his conviction on this issue.

Due to his outspoken vocal support for slavery, David Rice Atchison gained a significant following among citizens of the southern states where slavery was practiced. His southern support was so strong that a town was named after him to recognize his views on this issue. The collective confidence of the southern states grew due to Atchison’s influence.

The reason that individuals with conflicting views on slavery, such as David Rice Atchison, were able to rise to positions of power and influence can be traced back in history to President James K. Polk and his successor.

According to the presidential line of succession, Zachary Taylor was next in line to assume the role after James K. Polk. However, since the day of the inauguration fell on a Sunday, Taylor could not take the president’s seat immediately. This was because, at the time, it was a strict Christian rule that Sunday was a day of rest, and work was strictly prohibited.

In 1845, Atchison was sworn in as Pro Tempore of the Senate, meaning he was responsible for overseeing Senate proceedings in the absence of the Vice President. According to the laws at the time, the Pro Tempore was also second in line for the presidency, so Atchison’s role was significant.

It seems the succession of power was not clear-cut due to the circumstances surrounding the transition from President James K. Polk to his successor, Zachary Taylor. The President at the time, Polk, refused to stay in office for even one more day, causing confusion within the ranks. Additionally, the term of the Vice President also ended with Polk’s departure, so there was no clear successor in place.

According to some newspapers, the de facto leader approached his temporary role with great enthusiasm and seriousness–though there is no official account from inside sources. The temporary president-elect formally requested the Seal of the Great Office and signed a few official documents.

Apparently, Atchison’s friends in the Democratic Party even jokingly suggested that he should try to prevent Taylor from taking office because it seemed that Taylor was not particularly eager to assume the role of president. Some of Atchison’s associates even attempted to gain his favor by offering special appointments, land, or other political favors.

According to the supporters of this theory–there is no mention of Atchison’s temporary presidency in the Senate Journal or the Congressional Globe. If such an event had transpired, it would likely have been widely reported in the press and picked up by numerous publications.

The reality of the situation is somewhat uncertain. In all likelihood, Atchison’s time as the acting president was relatively brief, potentially lasting only a day or a few minutes. It is possible there was a rush to get him sworn in as a precautionary measure in case there were any problems with Taylor’s succession.

While some historians argue that the President does not necessarily need to be formally sworn in for power to take effect and that the specific date of the inauguration is not set in stone–others believe that the swearing-in ceremony is an essential part of the transition of power. It is possible that Taylor would have become President even if he had not been sworn in on the designated day. Still, it is also possible that the lack of a formal inauguration could have caused confusion or challenges for his administration.

Interestingly in the early 1880s, Atchison reportedly commented on the matter, stating, “I never for a moment acted as president of the U.S.”

Regardless of the factual circumstances surrounding his possible time as acting President, Atchison holds the record for having the shortest presidency in the history of the United States. The events leading up to his brief spell in office are still debated among historians and remembered as one of the strangest episodes in America’s political history.

Atchison’s presidency is a truly unique and fascinating piece of American history, as it is one of the shortest on record. However, he isn’t the only one who served briefly.