Alexander Stephens was born on November 11, 1812 in Atlanta, Georgia. He was an American politician who would go on to leave a lasting impact on the political landscape of the United States. He graduated from Franklin College, which would later become the University of Georgia, before becoming a practicing attorney. Stephens quickly entered the world of politics, first being elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1836. His political career continued to soar, and in 1843, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Stephens started his political journey as a Whig, but later transitioned to the Democratic party after being a Unionist for a period of time. As the Civil War approached, Stephens was known for his opposition to the South seceding from the Union, but he did defend the institution of slavery. Despite his opposition to secession, he served as the vice president of the Confederate States from 1861 to 1865.
After the Civil War, Stephens faced legal troubles and was arrested for treason. He spent five months in prison before being released. Despite restrictions on former Confederates serving in office, Stephens was elected back into the U.S. House of Representatives in 1873. He would go on to be re-elected in 1874, 1876, 1878, and 1880.
Stephens never married and had no known direct descendants. In 2017, his great-great-great grandnephews, brothers Alexander M. Stephens and Brendan Stephens, publicly advocated for the removal of Confederate monuments. They called for Stephens' statues to be moved to a museum where they could be properly contextualized for educational purposes.
Throughout his life, Stephens battled various health issues, including rheumatoid arthritis and a pinched nerve in his back. Despite his health struggles, he continued to be a prominent figure in American politics until his death in 1883.
Alexander Stephens left a complicated legacy, being remembered both for his opposition to secession and his defense of slavery. His political career spanned decades, and he played a significant role in the events leading up to and following the Civil War. While he may not have had direct descendants, his impact on American history and politics is still felt today.