The Youngest Vice President in US History
History is full of moments when extraordinary people have achieved great things at a young age. Serving as the Vice President of the United States of America is an undertaking few have the opportunity to take on, and those who have done so prior to the age of 40 are certainly an impressive bunch. Here, we explore the youngest Vice President in the United States of America’s history and take a look into the inspiring patterns of shape-shifting success that fueled their rise to the revered position.
Who is the Youngest Vice President?
In the United States of America, the youngest Vice President ever to serve was John Breckinridge, who was sworn into office in 1857 aged just 36 years and 303 days old. Though not the ideal age for a leader-in-waiting, Breckinridge still managed to have a profound mark on the country, both through his legacy and his brief time as the effective number-two in the US government.
Early Promises
John Breckinridge was born in Kentucky in 1821, and throughout his childhood, he showed an aptitude for leadership, proving himself to be an impressive public speaker and a quick learner. By the tender age of 30, Breckinridge had already risen to the position of United States Senator, and at just 36, he received the independent nomination for Vice President from the Southern Democratic Party after the Democratic Party itself had denied secession from the union.
Breckinridge endorsed the southern states’ rights to self-governance in the wake of the American Civil War, and as Vice President of the United States during his brief tenure, he made a series of controversial decisions. In the years after, many would argue that his time as the US Vice President actually hastened the country’s descent into civil unrest and subservience.
Breckinridge’s Failed Veep Bid
In the end, Breckinridge would fail in his bid to become a two-time Vice President when the extended mandate of the Buchanan presidency expired. He ran against his former friend, Abraham Lincoln, in 1860 and failed to gain enough support of either the North or the South to win the election. After his failed Vice Presidential bid, Breckinridge took up arms, leading the Confederate forces alongside Joseph E. Johnston. He was eventually captured and imprisoned by Union troops, later to be released in a prisoner exchange and sent back to the Confederate cause of freedom.
Breckinridge’s Legacy
Despite the palpable controversies, Breckinridge was praised for his strong leadership and skill as an orator during his short time as American Vice President. His persona was that of a representative for the true power of democracy in action, and his legacy lives on through his influence on the Confederates and the rest of the nation.
Breckinridge’s influence extended beyond the Civil War and the tenure of his office. He was an important member of the Kentucky legislature after the war, and he was later appointed to President Grant’s cabinet, becoming Secretary of War.
After all of this, Breckinridge went on to establish a successful career in the private sector, becoming a certified Registered Land Surveyor and working as a geologist, a land surveyor, a commissioner of immigration in Mexico, and a railroad financier.
Today, Breckinridge is remembered as the youngest Vice President in US history, and he is remembered fondly by many. Ever since he first took the job, Breckinridge set a precedent of achievement and recognition that ensures his place in the history books.
John Breckinridge’s brief tenure as the Vice President of the United States of America was marked by both controversy and success. His strong beliefs in states’ rights and his impressive oratorial talents saw him rise to the second highest office in the land at the precocious age of just 36 years and 303 days old. Although he eventually failed to secure a second term, Breckinridge’s influence and contributions to the Union are forever remembered as he remains the youngest Vice President in US history.
