The only US president not buried under the American flag is John Tyler, the 10th president of the United States. He was laid to rest under a Confederate flag.
John Tyler holds a unique and controversial place in American history, being the sole former chief executive to not receive the traditional burial rite under the Stars and Stripes.
John Tyler: The President Under the Confederate Flag
John Tyler served as president from 1841 to 1845. His post-presidency life, however, took a turn that would forever distinguish his legacy from that of all other U.S. presidents. When the Southern states began to secede from the Union, Tyler, a native Virginian, sided with the Confederacy. He was even elected to the Confederate House of Representatives.
His strong allegiance to the Confederacy led to a burial reflecting his final political loyalties. When he died in 1862, during the height of the Civil War, he was buried in Richmond, Virginia, with a Confederate flag draped over his coffin, rather than the U.S. flag.
Key Facts About John Tyler's Presidency and Burial
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Presidential Number | 10th President of the United States |
| Term of Office | April 4, 1841 – March 4, 1845 |
| Date of Death | January 18, 1862 |
| Burial Location | Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia |
| Flag at Burial | Confederate flag |
| Historical Distinction | The only U.S. president not buried under the American flag. |
Historical Context of John Tyler's Allegiance
Tyler's decision to support the Confederacy was a complex one, deeply rooted in his belief in states' rights and his strong ties to the South. After his presidency, he remained an active political figure. When the secession crisis escalated, he chaired the unsuccessful "Peace Conference" in 1861, aimed at preventing the Civil War. However, once Virginia seceded, Tyler publicly committed to the Southern cause.
His actions, including serving in the Confederate Provisional Congress and then the Confederate House of Representatives, were seen by many in the Union as an act of treason. This stark division in his loyalty ultimately shaped the circumstances of his burial, setting him apart from the 39 other deceased U.S. presidents who have been laid to rest under the flag they once led.
For more information on John Tyler's life and presidency, you can visit the White House Historical Association or the Miller Center at the University of Virginia.
