Alexander Stephens C.S.A. (U.S. Civil War) Black Coffee Mug

Alexander Stephenson (18121865), commonly known as Alexander H. Stephens, was an American politician who served as Vice President of the Confederate States of America during the U.S. Civil War. Born in Georgia, he became a lawyer and entered politics as a Whig, later joining the newly formed Republican Party. After the secession of his native state, he was elected as a delegate to the Provisional Congress of the Confederacy and served as its President from February 1861 to March 1865. As Vice President under President Jefferson Davis, Stephens delivered the "Cornerstone Speech" in March 1861, where he outlined the Confederate States' justification for secession, emphasizing their commitment to the institution of slavery as the cornerstone of their new nation. After the war, Stephens returned to Georgia and was arrested on charges of treason but was released due to lack of evidence. He died in 1865.