There have been a total of 44 US Presidents since the office was established in 1789. Of these 44 presidents, only four have been born west of the Mississippi River. Those include, of course, the most famous of them all – Abraham Lincoln – as well as Ulysses S Grant, Jimmy Carter and most recently, Barack Obama.
Background
The Mississippi River is one of North America’s grandest and most iconic rivers, running from north to south and acting as a defining boundary for the United States. It acts as the largest tributary of the Gulf of Mexico and is the fourth longest river system in the world. The original boundaries of the United States would not have included land west of the Mississippi, and so historically, the majority of presidents before Lincoln were born on the east side of the Mississippi. It wasn’t until the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 that the US established official claims to the land west of the Mississippi.
US Presidents Born West of the Mississippi
Abraham Lincoln was the first US president to be born west of the Mississippi. He was born in 1809 in present-day Ector County, Texas, and is perhaps the most famous US president of all time. His legacy lies in his work to end slavery in the United States and for preserving the Union during the American Civil War.
Ulysses S Grant was the next president to be born west of the Mississippi. He was born in 1822 in Point Pleasant, Ohio, and was a distinguished Union Army General during the Civil War. His two terms as president saw the first use of federal troops to protect African American voting rights and the establishment of the first Civil Rights Bill. He remains the only president to date to be born in the state of Ohio.
Jimmy Carter is the third president to be born west of the Mississippi. He was born in 1924 in Plains, Georgia and is the only president to be born in the deep south. During his time as president, he implemented a number of diplomatic initiatives and supported the passage of a number of human rights-oriented policies. He is credited with helping to restore trust in the federal government and even today, is known for his humanitarianism.
The most recent president to be born west of the Mississippi is Barack Obama. He was born in 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii, the only US president to be born outside of the continental United States. He achieved a number of historic firsts, including becoming the first African American president and passing healthcare reform. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest presidents in US history.
Impact of Birthplace on Politicians
The fact that the majority of US presidents have been born east of the Mississippi is no surprise. Historically, the eastern region has long been considered the “establishment” of the US and has been the birthplace of a number of prestigious political figures. However, the fact that there have been four presidents born west of the Mississippi is significant, as it demonstrates that nationalism and regionalism have both been influential factors in presidential elections.
Scholars have also argued that birthplace can be an indicator of success for elected officials. According to studies, politicians born in the east are more likely to gain access to the national political stage and hold more powerful offices than those born in the west. This could explain why, despite the fact that four of the 44 US presidents have been born west of the Mississippi, none of them have been elected to a third term in office.
Relevance and Significance of the US Presidency Born West of the Mississippi
The four US presidents that were born west of the Mississippi each played a significant role in the history of the United States – and in the case of Abraham Lincoln, the course of world history. The fact that four presidents were born in this region of the country speaks to the fact that the US is increasingly becoming a nation of diverse perspectives and backgrounds, and that residents of the western part of the country are no longer just seen as peripheral.
Though the majority of US presidents have historically been born east of the Mississippi, these four presidents have challenged the idea that one certain region can be seen as representative of the nation as a whole. Furthermore, the fact that all four of these presidents have been political trailblazers in their own right is a testament to the fact that location should never be seen as a limitation for those seeking to lead the United States.
Changing Nature of American Politics
It’s clear that the four US presidents born west of the Mississippi have not only left a mark in the history of their respective presidencies, but in American politics as a whole. With each of these four presidents, the US has seen an influx of ideas and perspectives from the western part of the country that had previously been underrepresented at the national level. This has resulted in a shift in the nation’s politics, as the diversity and dynamism of the western part of the country has been embraced.
Furthermore, there is now an increased focus on issues that may be affecting the western region, such as immigration, infrastructure, and the environment. All of this reflects the evolving nature of American politics and the increasing emphasis on making sure the residents of the entire country are being properly represented by its leaders.
Expansion of National Political Horizons
The four US presidents born west of the Mississippi have had an immense impact on the nation’s political horizon. Their presence has given a voice to the western region of the country and has opened the door for more diversity within the nation’s politics.
The significance of these four men cannot be understated, as the American presidency has become more inclusive and open to the perspectives of all Americans regardless of where they may have been born. This shift has created opportunities for new and diverse perspectives to be brought to the table, resulting in a richer and more vibrant political landscape.
Shifting Geography of US Politics
The influence of US presidents born west of the Mississippi has had a lasting impact on the country’s political landscape. It has led to an increased emphasis on western issues and a desire to ensure that all of the nation’s regions are represented at the national level. This is a welcome change, as it allows for greater representation of all of the country’s citizens and allows for a more competent and informed organization of the US government.
Finally, the enduring legacy of these four US presidents born west of the Mississippi is one of inclusion and optimism. They have shown that while geographical boundaries can be challenging, they should never be seen as insurmountable. They have proven that dedicated and passionate leaders can lead the nation regardless of where they come from, and that the US is a nation of both diversity and acceptance.
Impact of Western US Presence on National Political Scene
Though the majority of US presidents have been born east of the Mississippi, the presence of the four presidents born west of the river has had a major impact on the nation’s political landscape. These four men have served as examples of what can be accomplished regardless of which region of the country one is from, and have helped to create a more inclusive atmosphere within the US government.
For instance, their presence has opened the door for other westerners to pursue political office, resulting in a more diverse governmental body. This shift in demographics has helped to ensure that all regions of the country are properly represented and that citizens from all parts of the country have an equal voice in national politics.
Expansion of Diversity in US Politics
The influence of US presidents born west of the Mississippi has resulted in greater diversity in US politics. This can be seen in the increasing number of westerners in public office, as well as the changing demographics of those running for office. In addition, the fact that these four presidents have been able to break through all of the obstacles traditionally associated with being born west of the river speaks to the inclusivity of US politics and the US government’s commitment to serving all of its citizens.
Ultimately, the four US presidents born west of the Mississippi have had an immense impact on the nation’s political landscape. Their presence has provided representation for the western part of the country and has opened the door for more diverse perspectives. They have also helped to create a more united and inclusive America, and their legacy will continue to inspire and embolden aspiring leaders for years to come.
