Threads of History

Born during the American Revolution, Martin Van Buren lived to see the early days of the Civil War—a lifetime that mirrored the growing pains of a young nation. Our Threads of History page explores the diverse and complex stories that shaped this era. From debates over slavery and states’ rights to the expansion of US territory and its devastating effects on Indigenous nations, Van Buren’s political career intersected with nearly every major issue of his time. But the history of this land does not begin or end with Van Buren. Long before his rise, this area was home to the Mohican people, whose ancestral ties to the region continue to this day. The land also bears the marks of Dutch colonial settlement and the legacy of slavery that stretched well into the 19th century. Through these intertwined stories, Threads of History highlights the layered past of Martin Van Buren National Historic Site and the broader American journey.