Geography Corner
By Chris Rowan
Question:
Which State produced a U. S. President who served for only one day?
Who was the “President?” When did he serve?
Answer:
Kentucky. The State produced David Rice Atchison, who served on March 4, 1849.
Background: From 1793 through 1933, the fourth of March was set aside for Presidential inaugurations. The term of President James K. Polk expired on Sunday, March 4, 1849. But President elect Zachary Taylor refused to take the oath of office on the Sabbath. In accordance with the Constitution, David Rice Atchison, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, filled in as President until the following day. His tour of duty was so uneventful that most historians didn’t bother to count him among the ranks of our Presidents. Senator Atchison was born in Frogtown, Kentucky in 1807, 15 years after Kentucky was admitted to the Union as a state, but he represented Missouri in the Senate. (Missouri shares a border with Kentucky).
Next time:
Which city in the Western Hemisphere was once known as a “short cut to Africa?” When was it most recently used for that purpose?
