Sen. thomas hart benton biography

1. Early Life and Career
2. Military Service
3. Senator for Missouri
4. Territorial Expansion
5. Mexican War
6. Later Years and Legacy

Early Life and Career

Thomas Hart Benton was born in 1782 in Harts Mill, North Carolina.

Thomas hart benton murals

Despite studying law, he was compelled to manage his family estate after his father's untimely death. In 1799, he relocated his family to Tennessee, where he established a settlement on 40,000 acres. His active involvement made him a prominent figure in the territory.

Military Service

During the War of 1812, Benton served as an aide-de-camp to Andrew Jackson.

He retired from the military shortly before the war's end and moved to Missouri.

Senator for Missouri

After Missouri became a state in 1820, Benton was elected as its first senator. He served in Congress for three decades, becoming a prominent voice for territorial expansion.

Territorial Expansion

In 1825, Benton advocated for th