On May 11, Minnesota becomes the thirty-second state.

"Bleeding Kansas," the violent conflict between pro- and anti-slavery forces begins on November 21 with the death of a free-soiler by a pro-slavery advocate. The violence will continue until 1859 and result in the death of 56 people.

On November 2, Franklin Pierce (New Hampshire) is elected the fourteenth President of the United States.

The Lincoln-Douglas Debates between former Illinois Congressman Abraham Lincoln and Illinois Senator Stephen A. Douglas take place in seven towns between August 21, and October 15.