George Clark
Was a surveyor for lands in Virginia and served as captain in the campaign against the Ohio Indians. Led expedition into the Northwest during Revolutionary War. Defended St. Louis against the British and helped to stop the British in Kentucky and Illinois. His brother was William Clark who served as part of the Lewis and Clark explorers.

Nathaniel Bacon
Lived in Virginia and was involved in trying to force Governor Berkeley to p[protect the colonists from Indian attacks. When the Governor refused, he led his own uprising and defeated the Indians. Cast as a rebel by the English government, Bacon went up against the British where he burned Jamestown. Eventually, the two sides settled for peace but Bacon died before it was completed. The first major opposition to British authority on American soil.

Nelson Aldrich
For 33 years, served in Congress as Representative and Senator. Dominated Rhode Island politics and was one of the leading Republicans in Congress. Legislator of important bills in tariffs and currency. He was responsible for the Gold Standard Act of 1900 and the Federal Reserve Act was essentially his idea.

Edward Beale
Played a crucial role in establishing California and the west. His most famous association is with Kit Carson as he and Carson crawled through the Mexican lines to help Kearny and Stockton take over Los Angeles. It was Beale who first brought the news about gold being discovered in California and Beale made six cross country trips to relay important news. Served as superintendent of Indian Affairs, surveyor-general of California and later as U.S. Minister to Austria-Hungary which was one of the more influential countries of Europe at the time.

Salmon Chase
Started off as a defense lawyer for escaped slaves. In politics, he was the leader of two independent parties, the Liberty Party and the Free-Soil Party. Served as U.S. Senator for Ohio which was interrupted by his serving as Governor of that State. Left the Senate to become Secretary of the Treasury under Lincoln. Formulated a National Banking System. Became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and presided over the trial of Jefferson Davis and the impeachment of President Andrew Johnson.

John Chapman
He had a large nursery outside of Pennsylvania and offered provided apple saplings and seeds to settlers heading west. He descended into the Ohio Valley and planted an enormous amount of apple trees there, thus earning him the legendary name and status of Johnny Appleseed.

George Cortelyou
One of the key advisors during the turn of the century. Served as Secretary to the President under both McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt. Was the first Secretary of Commerce and Labor and also served as Postmaster General and Secretary of the Treasury. Retiring from public service, he became President of the Consolidated Gas Company of NY.

DeWitt Clinton
Long time power in New York where he served as Mayor of New York city and governor of the State in sporadic terms stretching over 25 years. Important for introducing the 12th Amendment to the Constitution. Defeated on his run for President against Madison, Clinton continued his role in politics and sponsored the Erie and other canals and was known as a major promoter of free Public education.

Daniel Webster
Perhaps the most famous orator in American Politics who often competed and opposed another powerful orator, John Calhoun. During his time in Congress (from 1813-1850), he was one of the most influential members as he served first as a Representative and then Senator. He was a strong supporter of the power of the Federal government, against the annexation of Texas and served as Secretary of State under Harrison, Tyler, and Fillmore. At the time, the three most important figures in American politics were Webster, John Calhoun, and Henry Clay.

John Calhoun
Famous for his opposition to a strong federal government and the champion of individual state’s rights, Calhoun served in the House of Representative and the Senate (1811-1850 non-successive). He was Secretary of War under Monroe, Secretary of State under Tyler. Served as Vice-President under Jackson but resigned because of differences with the President. A strong supporter of slavery, he represented the south on this issue and was the major spokesperson. Long time political battles with Daniel Webster were famous for their insight and influence on the interpretation of the Constitution. At the time, the three most important figures in American politics were Calhoun, Daniel Webster, and Henry Clay.

Henry Clay
Known as the "Great compromiser" primarily for his work in compromising differing points of view (usually between Calhoun and Webster), the most exceptional case was the Compromise of 1850- which served as a temporary stopgap between the North and South on the slavery issue and the admission of new states on either side. He served repeated terms in the Senate and House and led a strong campaign for John Quincy Adams which labeled him as the "President Maker." At the time, the three most important figures in American politics were Clay, John Calhoun, and Daniel Webster.

Hannibal Hamlin
Lawyer from Maine who served as member of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate (1843-1857) before serving as governor of Maine. Returning to the Senate, he was elected Vice President in 1861 under Abraham Lincoln and returned yet again to the Senate in 1869 until 1891. He also served as U.S.Minister of Spain. His long public career spanned over 55 years.

Richard Mentor Johnson
Political leader born in Kentucky. Served in U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate non-consecutively from 1807-1837. Was Van Buren’s running mate and was the only Vice President to be elected by a vote of the Senate.

James Oglethorpe
Englishman who founded the colony of Georgia. Served as governor and also founded the city of Savannah. Formed a strong alliance with the Creek Indians and managed to fight off the Spanish. However, he had to return Georgia charter back to the English.