Lewis Cass Quotes

A collection of quotes by Lewis Cass.

Lewis Cass was an American statesman, soldier, and diplomat who played a prominent role in the development of the American Midwest in the mid-19th century. Born on October 9, 1782, in Exeter, New Hampshire, Cass dedicated his early life to military service. He fought in the War of 1812 and subsequently became the governor of the Michigan Territory in 1813, remaining in that position for 18 years.

A firm supporter of westward expansion and Manifest Destiny, Cass advocated for the acquisition of new territories and the integration of newly formed states into the Union. He also championed the establishment of schools, infrastructure, and communication networks in the region.

Throughout his career, Cass held several prominent governmental positions. He served as the Secretary of War under President Andrew Jackson from 1831 to 1836 and then as the U.S. minister to France from 1836 to 1842. Cass was a candidate for the Democratic Party in the 1848 presidential election but lost to Zachary Taylor.

Later in his career, Cass returned to territorial government, serving as the governor of the Michigan Territory for the second time from 1845 to 1848. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1848 and remained a senator until 1857. Cass is best known for his advocacy of popular sovereignty, which he believed should determine the issue of slavery in the expanding territories.

Lewis Cass died on June 17, 1866, in Detroit, Michigan, leaving behind a legacy as a dedicated public servant and influential figure in the westward expansion of the United States.