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Buchanan Estate Scam: Detecting and Navigating Genealogical Hoaxes

President James Buchanan (1791-1868)

President James Buchanan became the common denominating factor across nearly all mutations of the Buchanan estate rumors, usually as some degree of relative to the benefactor – cousin, nephew, brother, even direct ancestor despite the President’s well-established bachelorhood. As the estate myths circulated and potential heirs became more desperate, some reports even claimed that it was the former President himself who had bequeathed the sought-after Buchanan estate fortune. Accordingly, it is worthwhile to understand more about President James Buchanan, particularly his family and private life.

Blogs and Research Guides

Library of Congress subject specialists have created blogs and research guides that provide background and resources for further study.

Books About President Buchanan & His Family History

Digitized Manuscript Collection

Print Manuscript Collection

The following collection titles link to fuller bibliographic information in the Library of Congress Online Catalog. Links to additional online content, including finding aids for the collections, are included when available.