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Primary sourceArtifact

Signature of James Buchanan

James Buchanan

James Buchanan's handwritten autograph signature.

This is Buchanan's own signature, used to authenticate documents bearing his name.

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Handwritten cursive signature reading 'James Buchanan' in dark ink on a light background.
James Buchanan, signature.

About this source

What it is

This image shows the handwritten signature of James Buchanan, written in cursive ink.

Why it matters

A signature is a direct, personal trace of a historical figure. It was used to authenticate documents and letters, and signatures like this one help confirm which papers truly came from Buchanan himself.

Look closer

  • What can handwriting tell us about a person, and what can't it tell us?
  • Why do archives and historians value signatures as evidence?

This artifact is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of James Buchanan on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

More James Buchanan sources

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Speech

Primary source

Fourth Annual Message to Congress

James Buchanan · 3 December 1860

Handwritten cover sheet of the court record for Dred Scott v. Sandford. Top reads 'Missouri C.C.U.S.' with a case number, then 'Dred Scott, Plaintiff in Error, v. John F. A. Sandford', 'Filed 30th December 1854', 'Dismissed for want of jurisdiction', and 'March 6th 1857'. Scorched and darkened edges, with a blue pencil mark at lower left.Document

Primary source

Dred Scott v. Sandford

Roger B. Taney · 6 March 1857

Two pages of the Oregon Treaty, handwritten in ink on paper, laid side by side. Each has a wax seal with a ribbon on the left page and a seal on the right. Signatures appear at the bottom: James Buchanan as Secretary of State, and James K. Polk as President.Document

Primary source

Oregon Treaty

15 June 1846

Title page of a book on a peach-colored background. Large text reads: MR. BUCHANAN'S ADMINISTRATION, with smaller text ON THE, then EVE OF THE REBELLION. Below: NEW YORK: D. APPLETON AND COMPANY, 443 & 445 BROADWAY, 1866.Book

Primary source

Mr. Buchanan's Administration on the Eve of the Rebellion

James Buchanan · 1866

Sepia photograph of a large crowd in front of the east portico of the US Capitol during the 1857 inauguration. Columns, a balcony with officials, and a statue are visible; people in top hats fill the foreground.Photograph

Primary source

Inauguration of James Buchanan photograph

John Wood · 4 March 1857

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