Thomas Hart Benton

Biography

Thomas Hart Benton (1782–1858) was a prominent United States Senator from Missouri who served for thirty years and became one of the most influential political figures of the antebellum era. A staunch advocate for western expansion and the rights of settlers, Benton championed the Homestead Act and the development of the American frontier, earning him the nickname "Old Bullion" for his support of hard currency policies.

Throughout his career, Benton was a powerful voice in Congress for westward territorial acquisition and the settlement of new lands. His political legacy reflects the expansionist ideals of nineteenth-century America and his commitment to providing opportunities for ordinary citizens to own land in the developing West.