Simon Cameron Quotes

A collection of quotes by Simon Cameron.

Simon Cameron was born on March 8, 1799, in Maytown, Pennsylvania. He was an American politician who played a significant role in the political landscape during the mid-19th century. Cameron started his career as a printer's apprentice and later became involved in politics, aligning himself with the Democratic Party.

Cameron's political journey included serving as a U.S. senator from Pennsylvania from 1845 to 1849 and again from 1857 to 1861. He also had a brief stint as President Abraham Lincoln's first Secretary of War from 1861 to 1862. Cameron's tenure in this role was marked by controversy and accusations of corruption, leading to his resignation.

As a senator, Cameron was known for his advocacy of internal improvements and support for Pennsylvania's industrial interests. He played a pivotal role in securing the nomination of James Buchanan as the Democratic presidential candidate in 1856. However, his political affiliation changed in the early 1860s when he switched to the newly formed Republican Party.

Throughout his career, Cameron was a prominent figure in Pennsylvania politics, serving as the state's Republican Party chairman and playing a key role in securing Pennsylvania's electoral votes for Lincoln in the 1860 presidential election. After leaving the Cabinet, Cameron continued his involvement in politics, though his influence waned in the years following the Civil War.

Simon Cameron passed away on June 26, 1889, in Donegal, Pennsylvania, leaving behind a complex legacy shaped by his rise and fall in political power.