William Pitt Fessenden, ca. 1860

Contributed by Maine Historical Society

Item 104479
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Description

Elected to the United States Senate in 1854, William Pitt Fessenden (1806-1869) gained a national reputation for his opposition to slavery and his expertise in finance. Fessenden's role as chair of the Senate Finance Committee during the Civil War led President Abraham Lincoln to appoint him Secretary of the Treasury, a post he held for one year.

Historically, Fessenden is often remembered as one of seven Senate Republicans to vote against the impeachment of President Andrew Johnson in 1868, thus preventing his removal from the office. While widely condemned for his vote, historians, including John F. Kennedy in "Profiles In Courage," have praised the courage and foresight of the Maine senator's decision.

About This Item

Title: William Pitt Fessenden, ca. 1860
Creation Date: circa 1860
Subject Date: circa 1860
Location: USA
Media: Tintype
Dimensions: 7 cm x 8.3 cm
Local Code: Coll. 2003, Box 1A/3
Collection: Early photography collection
Object Type: Image

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Fessenden, William Pitt

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For more information about this item, contact:

Maine Historical Society
485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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