William R. King, the 13th Vice President during Franklin Pierce’s presidency, shared a unique bond with future president James Buchanan. The two men lived together and were often referred to as each other’s “better half”. This close relationship has led many modern historians to believe that the lifelong bachelors were actually lovers. This belief was not limited to modern times, as even their political rivals at the time shared this suspicion. King’s early life, political career, role as Vice President, and legacy have all been scrutinized in light of this potential romantic relationship. Could William R. King have been America’s first gay Vice President?
