{"id":40095,"date":"2024-02-27T11:11:51","date_gmt":"2024-02-27T16:11:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eyesofjefferson.com\/?p=40095"},"modified":"2024-02-27T11:11:56","modified_gmt":"2024-02-27T16:11:56","slug":"franklin-pierce","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eyesofjefferson.com\/franklin-pierce\/","title":{"rendered":"FRANKLIN PIERCE"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"442\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-1.jpg?resize=800%2C442&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40096\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-1.jpg?w=897&ssl=1 897w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-1.jpg?resize=300%2C166&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-1.jpg?resize=768%2C425&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>“It’s good to see you’ve returned for another ‘Hail to the Chief’ post.”<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"443\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-2.jpg?resize=800%2C443&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40097\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-2.jpg?w=867&ssl=1 867w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-2.jpg?resize=300%2C166&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-2.jpg?resize=768%2C425&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>“This post features the life and times of our 14th President – who was not only one of America’s most-handsome Presidents…”<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"443\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-3.jpg?resize=800%2C443&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40098\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-3.jpg?w=893&ssl=1 893w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-3.jpg?resize=300%2C166&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-3.jpg?resize=768%2C426&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>“…Franklin Pierce was also America’s saddest Presidents.”<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"443\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-4.jpg?resize=800%2C443&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40099\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-4.jpg?w=896&ssl=1 896w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-4.jpg?resize=300%2C166&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-4.jpg?resize=768%2C425&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>FRANKLIN PIERCE BIRTHSITE \u2013 “Franklin Pierce was born in a log cabin on November 23, 1804 in Hillsboro, New Hampshire along the shore of the Contoocook River.<\/strong> <strong>In 1926, the river was dammed to create a reservoir, which covered the birthplace cabin forever under Franklin Pierce Lake.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"445\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-5.jpg?resize=800%2C445&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40100\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-5.jpg?w=869&ssl=1 869w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-5.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-5.jpg?resize=768%2C427&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>FRANKLIN PIERCE HOMESTEAD \u2013 Built in 1804 by Benjamin Pierce, this two-story home was constructed on the Pierce property roughly one-half mile from where the future President was born in Hillsboro, New Hampshire.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"445\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-6.jpg?resize=800%2C445&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40101\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-6.jpg?w=869&ssl=1 869w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-6.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-6.jpg?resize=768%2C427&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cFranklin grew up in this spacious house where he was a robust and devilish youngster, quick to either fight someone or pull a prank on them.<\/strong> <strong>I bet he didn’t stand on this fence post!”<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"446\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-7.jpg?resize=800%2C446&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40102\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-7.jpg?w=869&ssl=1 869w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-7.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-7.jpg?resize=768%2C429&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cAs I stood at the entrance to the home\u2019s western front door, I envisioned young Franklin running past me as he played a prank on one of his friends in the front yard.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"447\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-8.jpg?resize=800%2C447&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40103\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-8.jpg?w=866&ssl=1 866w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-8.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-8.jpg?resize=768%2C429&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cFor thirty years following his birth, Franklin lived in this house; with the exception of the seven years he was away from Hillsboro, either at college or studying law.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"448\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-9.jpg?resize=800%2C448&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40104\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-9.jpg?w=867&ssl=1 867w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-9.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-9.jpg?resize=768%2C430&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cAfter Pierce married Jane Appleton on November 19, 1834, the newlyweds moved out of the house and moved to Concord, New Hampshire.\u00a0 The sudden move out of his father\u2019s home was accelerated by Jane\u2019s dislike for Hillsboro.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"445\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-10.jpg?resize=800%2C445&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40105\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-10.jpg?w=867&ssl=1 867w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-10.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-10.jpg?resize=768%2C427&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE HOUSE \u2013 Located in Concord, New Hampshire, and built between 1816 and 1819, it\u2019s the oldest state house in continuous use in the United States.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"446\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-11.jpg?resize=800%2C446&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40106\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-11.jpg?w=866&ssl=1 866w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-11.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-11.jpg?resize=768%2C428&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cAfter campaigning hard in the Hillsboro district for Andrew Jackson during the 1828 election, Democrat Franklin Pierce was elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives the same year.\u00a0 He was sworn into office on January 7, 1829 while his father, Benjamin, was Governor of New Hampshire.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-12.jpg?resize=800%2C450&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40107\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-12.jpg?w=864&ssl=1 864w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-12.jpg?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-12.jpg?resize=768%2C432&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cTwo years after being elected to represent Hillsboro district, the Jacksonian Democrat was elected as Speaker of the House where he banged the gavel from 1831 until he left office on January 2, 1833.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"447\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-13.jpg?resize=800%2C447&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40108\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-13.jpg?w=867&ssl=1 867w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-13.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-13.jpg?resize=768%2C429&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>JANE APPLETON \u2013 On November 19, 1834, 28-year-old Jane Appleton married Franklin Pierce, 29, at the home of Jane\u2019s maternal grandparents in Amherst, New Hampshire.\u00a0 After the small wedding, which was conducted by her brother-in-law Reverend Silas Aiken, the couple honeymooned six days at a boarding house near Washington D.C.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"449\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-14.jpg?resize=800%2C449&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40109\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-14.jpg?w=865&ssl=1 865w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-14.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-14.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>UNITED STATES CAPITOL \u2013 “The hard-working Franklin Pierce left New Hampshire behind after he was elected to the United States House of Representatives.\u00a0 Pierce was sworn-in to office on March 4, 1833.<\/strong> <strong>Pierce was only 32 years old, and his political ambitions didn\u2019t stop in the House.\u00a0 In 1836, Franklin was elected to the United States Senate where he served from March 4, 1837 until February 28, 1842.\u201d<\/strong> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"445\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-15.jpg?resize=800%2C445&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40110\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-15.jpg?w=865&ssl=1 865w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-15.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-15.jpg?resize=768%2C427&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>PIERCE MANSE \u2013 Located in Concord, New Hampshire, Franklin and Jane Pierce owned this home from 1842 to 1848 \u2013 just four years before Pierce was elected as the 14<sup>th<\/sup> President of the United States.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"445\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-16.jpg?resize=800%2C445&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40111\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-16.jpg?w=867&ssl=1 867w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-16.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-16.jpg?resize=768%2C427&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cFranklin and Jane Pierce bought this house after Jane persuaded her husband to resign his seat in the U.S. Senate.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"445\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-17.jpg?resize=800%2C445&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40112\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-17.jpg?w=864&ssl=1 864w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-17.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-17.jpg?resize=768%2C428&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cPierce Manse was threatened with demolition in 1971, but a group of locals known as the \u2018Pierce Brigade\u2019 saved the house and had it moved to its present location.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"447\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-18.jpg?resize=800%2C447&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40113\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-18.jpg?w=867&ssl=1 867w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-18.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-18.jpg?resize=768%2C429&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cDuring my first visit to the Manse in 2017, the \u2018Pierce Brigade\u2019 refused to allow me to pose for interior photos.\u00a0 Thankfully my photographer talked the guide into changing the rule for us in 2023.\u00a0 Let\u2019s take a look inside the world of Franklin Pierce.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"443\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-19.jpg?resize=800%2C443&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40114\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-19.jpg?w=866&ssl=1 866w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-19.jpg?resize=300%2C166&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-19.jpg?resize=768%2C426&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cI\u2019m standing in the Parlor, with the Dining Room in the background.\u00a0 The sofa below the portrait of President Pierce belonged to Jane and was used in their White House living quarters. \u00a0The table alongside me was also used in the White House by the Pierce\u2019s.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"447\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-20.jpg?resize=800%2C447&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40115\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-20.jpg?w=866&ssl=1 866w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-20.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-20.jpg?resize=768%2C429&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cThe portrait above the Parlor\u2019s fireplace was Franklin\u2019s father, Benjamin Pierce. \u00a0As a soldier in the Revolutionary War, Benjamin was present at the Battle of Bunker Hill.\u00a0 In 1827, the elder Pierce was elected as New Hampshire\u2019s 11th Governor.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"444\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-21.jpg?resize=800%2C444&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40116\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-21.jpg?w=866&ssl=1 866w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-21.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-21.jpg?resize=768%2C427&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cPresident Pierce used this small writing desk in the White House.\u00a0 I wanted to stand on that desk, but my photographer didn\u2019t want to jeopardize the trust with our guide.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"445\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-22.jpg?resize=800%2C445&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40117\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-22.jpg?w=867&ssl=1 867w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-22.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-22.jpg?resize=768%2C427&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cI\u2019m standing alongside the original bed used by Bennie Pierce in his upstairs bedroom. \u00a0Less than five years after Bennie last slept in this bed, he was tragically killed at the age of 11 outside of Andover, Massachusetts.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"448\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-23.jpg?resize=800%2C448&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40118\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-23.jpg?w=867&ssl=1 867w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-23.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-23.jpg?resize=768%2C430&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cThe Master Bedroom in the Manse was where Franklin and Jane slept. \u00a0Unfortunately, this was not their original bed, but it has been reputed to be a bed from the house next to the Pierce\u2019s when they lived in this home.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"445\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-24.jpg?resize=800%2C445&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40119\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-24.jpg?w=866&ssl=1 866w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-24.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-24.jpg?resize=768%2C427&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cThe painting above the Master Bedroom fireplace was of Frank Robert Pierce who died in this very room on November 14, 1843.\u00a0 It\u2019s unimaginable how grief-stricken Franklin and Jane must\u2019ve been when they lost their little four-year-old Frankie.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"447\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-25.jpg?resize=800%2C447&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40120\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-25.jpg?w=865&ssl=1 865w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-25.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-25.jpg?resize=768%2C429&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cThere was a timeless reflection of me as I posed near the shaving kit used by President Franklin Pierce.\u00a0 The President was known as \u201cHandsome Frank\u201d and he looked in this very mirror when he shaved.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"446\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-26.jpg?resize=800%2C446&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40121\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-26.jpg?w=866&ssl=1 866w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-26.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-26.jpg?resize=768%2C428&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cFour years after Franklin Pierce walked out of the door behind me, he walked through the front door of the White House \u2013 much to the chagrin of his wife Jane.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"445\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-27.jpg?resize=800%2C445&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40122\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-27.jpg?w=865&ssl=1 865w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-27.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-27.jpg?resize=768%2C427&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>PIERCE LAW OFFICE \u2013 Franklin Pierce was admitted to the New Hampshire bar in late 1827 and practiced law in Hillsboro and Concord.\u00a0 This building, which now hosts the firm Gallagher, Callahan, and Gartell, also served as Pierce\u2019s law office\u00a0during his time in Concord.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"444\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-28.jpg?resize=800%2C444&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40123\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-28.jpg?w=868&ssl=1 868w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-28.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-28.jpg?resize=768%2C426&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cPierce was a very good attorney, and was known for his diplomatic personality, eloquence, and he possessed an excellent memory \u2013 all which he used to his advantage in a court of law.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"446\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-29.jpg?resize=800%2C446&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40124\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-29.jpg?w=868&ssl=1 868w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-29.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-29.jpg?resize=768%2C428&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>JOHN AIKEN HOMESTEAD \u2013 “Franklin Pierce used his brother-in-law\u2019s Andover, Massachusetts home as his Summer White House.<\/strong> <strong>President-elect Pierce, his wife Jane, and their 11-year-old son left this house and were traveling to Concord by train on January 6, 1853.\u00a0 The train derailed a few minutes from Andover, killing Bennie.\u00a0 This house was the site of the boy\u2019s funeral.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"448\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-30.jpg?resize=800%2C448&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40125\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-30.jpg?w=867&ssl=1 867w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-30.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-30.jpg?resize=768%2C431&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cFranklin and Jane Pierce suffered from depression after the death of their son Bennie, pictured here.\u00a0 Jane became a recluse at the White House; while Franklin drank heavily \u2013 the loss of his son had a very adverse effect on his Presidency.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"443\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-31.jpg?resize=800%2C443&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40126\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-31.jpg?w=866&ssl=1 866w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-31.jpg?resize=300%2C166&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-31.jpg?resize=768%2C426&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cThe Pierce\u2019s were in this home when Jane died of tuberculosis on December 22, 1863; and like her son Bennie, Jane\u2019s funeral was held in this home as well.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"446\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-33.jpg?resize=800%2C446&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40128\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-33.jpg?w=865&ssl=1 865w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-33.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-33.jpg?resize=768%2C428&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>EAGLE HOTEL \u2013 “Built in 1851 as a four-story hotel located directly across the street from New Hampshire\u2019s State House, the Eagle Hotel was where President-elect Franklin Pierce spent the night before he departed Concord for his inauguration in Washington D.C.<\/strong> <strong>Still mourning the death of her son Bennie, Jane Pierce did not go to Washington with Franklin, nor did she attend Pierce\u2019s inauguration.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"445\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-34.jpg?resize=800%2C445&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40129\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-34.jpg?w=866&ssl=1 866w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-34.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-34.jpg?resize=768%2C427&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>UNITED STATES CAPITOL \u2013 \u201cFranklin Pierce was inaugurated on the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol on March 4, 1853.\u00a0 Franklin was depressed from his son\u2019s tragic death and his wife, Jane, stayed home in Concord and didn\u2019t attend the inauguration.<\/strong> <strong>Pierce was 49 years old when he took the Oath of Office and was the youngest President in history to that point.\u00a0 He was also the first to deliver his entire inaugural address from memory.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"443\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-35.jpg?resize=800%2C443&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40130\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-35.jpg?w=867&ssl=1 867w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-35.jpg?resize=300%2C166&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-35.jpg?resize=768%2C425&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>THE WHITE HOUSE \u2013 “Pierce\u2019s Presidency had turned disastrous when he supported the Kansas-Nebraska Act that replaced the Missouri Compromise and slavery became a larger issue in the country, especially when he continued to enforce the Fugitive Slave Act.<\/strong> <strong>During his one term in office, the nation slid closer to Civil War.\u00a0 Bennie\u2019s death had an adverse effect on Pierce\u2019s Presidency, which caused Franklin to begin drinking heavily.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"446\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-36.jpg?resize=800%2C446&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40131\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-36.jpg?w=867&ssl=1 867w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-36.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-36.jpg?resize=768%2C428&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>JANE PIERCE \u2013 For nearly two years, First Lady Jane Pierce remained in the upstairs living quarters of the White House and wrote letters to her son Bennie.\u00a0 At one point, she attempted to contact her son through a s\u00e9ance.\u00a0 Jane made her first official appearance as First Lady at a New Year\u2019s Day reception in 1855 and thereafter served as White House hostess periodically.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"445\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-37.jpg?resize=800%2C445&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40132\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-37.jpg?w=865&ssl=1 865w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-37.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-37.jpg?resize=768%2C427&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cI\u2019m standing next to a shirt worn by Franklin Pierce when he was President.\u00a0 The shirt\u2019s collar would have been starched and worn upright.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"442\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-38.jpg?resize=800%2C442&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40133\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-38.jpg?w=866&ssl=1 866w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-38.jpg?resize=300%2C166&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-38.jpg?resize=768%2C425&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>THE PIERCE MANSION SITE \u2013 Located on South Main Street in Concord, New Hampshire; this was the site of a three-story mansion where Franklin and Jane Pierce lived on and off as boarders of Willard Williams after they left the White House in 1857.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"446\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-39.jpg?resize=800%2C446&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40134\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-39.jpg?w=868&ssl=1 868w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-39.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-39.jpg?resize=768%2C428&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>“Unfortunately, the house burned down in 1981, leaving only the front steps as a reminder of where our 14th President had lived.”<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"445\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-40.jpg?resize=800%2C445&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40135\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-40.jpg?w=869&ssl=1 869w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-40.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-40.jpg?resize=768%2C427&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cAn angry mob gathered outside of this house in April 1865 when Pierce did not fly an American flag in memoriam to Abraham Lincoln after the assassination.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"446\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-41.jpg?resize=800%2C446&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40136\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-41.jpg?w=865&ssl=1 865w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-41.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-41.jpg?resize=768%2C428&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cFollowing years of heavy drinking, mostly to battle the depression from his son\u2019s death, Pierce died at this site from cirrhosis of the liver at 4:35am on October 8, 1869.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"446\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-42.jpg?resize=800%2C446&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40137\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-42.jpg?w=866&ssl=1 866w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-42.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-42.jpg?resize=768%2C428&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cIn 1981, the Franklin Pierce home burned down; leaving only the front steps to remind us of where the \u201csaddest President in history\u201d lived and died.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"445\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-43.jpg?resize=800%2C445&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40138\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-43.jpg?w=865&ssl=1 865w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-43.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-43.jpg?resize=768%2C427&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE HOUSE \u2013 After his death, Pierce\u2019s body laid in state in the New Hampshire State House on October 10-11, 1869.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"445\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-44.jpg?resize=800%2C445&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40139\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-44.jpg?w=866&ssl=1 866w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-44.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-44.jpg?resize=768%2C427&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cSince the State House has no Rotunda, it\u2019s believed the Hall of Flags, where I\u2019m standing in this image, was where President Franklin Pierce laid in state.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"445\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-45.jpg?resize=800%2C445&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40140\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-45.jpg?w=866&ssl=1 866w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-45.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-45.jpg?resize=768%2C427&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>ST. PAUL\u2019S CHURCH \u2013 “Located in Concord and built in 1838 across the street from the State House, St. Paul\u2019s Church was where the funeral services for Franklin Pierce were held on October 11, 1869.<\/strong> <strong>Pierce had left his Congregational denomination and joined Jane\u2019s Episcopalian church because he felt they left politics out of the sermons.<\/strong> <strong>As a matter of fact, on the second anniversary of Jane Pierce\u2019s death, which was December 2, 1865, the former President was baptized at St. Paul\u2019s.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"447\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-46.jpg?resize=800%2C447&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40141\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-46.jpg?w=865&ssl=1 865w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-46.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-46.jpg?resize=768%2C429&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cI\u2019m standing in the area where President Pierce\u2019s casket likely would\u2019ve been placed during his funeral.<\/strong> <strong>However, a fire in 1984 destroyed most of the church\u2019s interior and it likely looked different in 1869.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"446\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-47.jpg?resize=800%2C446&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40142\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-47.jpg?w=867&ssl=1 867w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-47.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-47.jpg?resize=768%2C428&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cI\u2019m standing in the Franklin Pierce pew inside St. Paul\u2019s Church.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"444\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-48.jpg?resize=800%2C444&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40143\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-48.jpg?w=867&ssl=1 867w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-48.jpg?resize=300%2C166&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-48.jpg?resize=768%2C426&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cDuring my time inside St. Paul\u2019s, I wondered if this baptismal font was used during Franklin Pierce\u2019s baptism on December 2, 1865.\u201c<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"446\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-49.jpg?resize=800%2C446&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40144\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-49.jpg?w=866&ssl=1 866w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-49.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-49.jpg?resize=768%2C428&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>OLD NORTH CEMETERY \u2013 “Following Franklin Pierce\u2019s death, the President was buried next to his wife Jane, and his two sons Frank and Bennie, in Old North Cemetery, located in Concord, New Hampshire.<\/strong>“<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"445\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-50.jpg?resize=800%2C445&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40145\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-50.jpg?w=870&ssl=1 870w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-50.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-50.jpg?resize=768%2C427&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cDuring my time at the final resting place of President Pierce, I couldn\u2019t help but feel sadness for his two sons who were buried there as well.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"444\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-51.jpg?resize=800%2C444&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40146\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-51.jpg?w=867&ssl=1 867w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-51.jpg?resize=300%2C166&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-51.jpg?resize=768%2C426&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cFrank Robert Pierce died from typhus at age four on November 14, 1843.\u00a0 Benjamin Pierce was tragically killed at age 11 during a train accident on January 6, 1853.<\/strong> <strong>The Pierce\u2019s also lost a son, Franklin Pierce, Jr., on February 5, 1836 \u2013 only three days after his birth<\/strong>. <strong>When Franklin Pierce died on October 8, 1869, and was buried here just three days later next to his wife, he was no doubt the \u201cSaddest President in History\u201d.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"447\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-52.jpg?resize=800%2C447&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40147\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-52.jpg?w=868&ssl=1 868w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-52.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-52.jpg?resize=768%2C429&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>“That’s my photographer posing at the final resting place of Franklin Pierce.”<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"442\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-53.jpg?resize=800%2C442&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40148\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-53.jpg?w=870&ssl=1 870w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-53.jpg?resize=300%2C166&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-53.jpg?resize=768%2C425&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>“When Tom and I finally made it to the grave of Franklin Pierce on July 11, 2017, it was the 24th Presidential gravesite the two of us had visited together.”<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"447\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-54.jpg?resize=800%2C447&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40149\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-54.jpg?w=866&ssl=1 866w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-54.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-54.jpg?resize=768%2C429&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>“The two of us returned with Bob Moldenhauer for our second and final visit to date on June 7, 2023.”<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"446\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-55.jpg?resize=800%2C446&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-55.jpg?w=866&ssl=1 866w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-55.jpg?resize=300%2C167&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-55.jpg?resize=768%2C428&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cWhen this statue of Franklin Pierce was dedicated on November 25, 1914, Republicans made sure it had been erected at the very edge of the State House lawn.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"448\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-56.jpg?resize=800%2C448&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40151\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-56.jpg?w=867&ssl=1 867w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-56.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-56.jpg?resize=768%2C430&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>\u201cEven though the citizens of Concord didn\u2019t appreciate their native son after he left the White House, I was honored to stand on the statue dedicated to the life, legacy, and public service of President Franklin Pierce.\u201d<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"447\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-57.jpg?resize=800%2C447&ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40152\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-57.jpg?w=868&ssl=1 868w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-57.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PIERCE-57.jpg?resize=768%2C429&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>“Did that post leave a tear in your eye? Mine either, although I did shed a resin tear at the cemetery in Concord. I hope you learned a little about our 14th President and I sincerely hope you check out the other posts dedicated to our Presidents.”<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[1],"tags":[472,1867,3121,25,136,2374],"class_list":["post-40095","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-franklin-pierce","tag-hail-to-the-chief","tag-presidential-tribute","tag-thomas-jefferson","tag-thomas-jefferson-bobble-head","tag-thomas-watson"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40095","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40095"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40095\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40153,"href":"https:\/\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40095\/revisions\/40153"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40095"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40095"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyesofjefferson.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40095"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}