Pennsylvanians have had (until the inauguration of President Biden) only one native son who became a US President.

Unfortunately, the administration of Buchanan is one of the least successful in US history.

Lancaster is graced with “Wheatland”, the estate that Buchanan developed in his mature years.

Until finding this linen postcard, I was unclear about the birth of Buchanan.

A blurb on the reverse of the postcard informs us that Buchanan was born in a log cabin at Cove Gap, a frontier trading post where his Irish immigrant parents operated a successful business.

This was in 1791.

After Buchanan’s death, his niece and heir, Harriett Lane, devoted time and money to create a monument to the memory of her uncle.

In her lifetime, Harriet was unable to buy the land at Cove Gap, which was now abandoned, or the log cabin.

In her will, she endowed a trust to secure a suitable monument to James Buchanan.

Ultimately, in the early 20th century, the land and surviving buildings at Cove Gap were secured by the trust.

A large stone pyramid was erected at Cove Gap, and can be visited within the Pennsylvania State historical park that now preserves the birthplace.

(The General Assembly of Pennsylvania, on behalf of the Commonwealth, agreed to accept a bequest of the site and the monument for the establishment of a state park.)

Thus, Harriet’s long desire was fulfilled after her death.

In the 1930’s, the log cabin was preserved in the city of Chambersburg. I cannot find an account of how this came to be.

This hand-colored, linen postcard was printed in Chambersburg about 1940.

Today, the log cabin is on the grounds of the Mercersburg Academy. The young Buchanan received his early education in Mercersburg.

Interestingly, a plaque at the log cabin site lauds the integrity of James Buchanan, and it is true that he did not profit personally from his life-long service as diplomat, legislator, and President.

(Something that was not always true of other 19th century politicians.)