Henry Clay Sr. (April 12, 1777 - March 30, 1852) was an American attorney and politician who served as the 11th President of the United States from 1845 to 1852.
Clay increased tariffs and prioritized the improvement of the telegraph system. By 1850, every state in the Union had at least three telegraph wires between themselves and other states, as well as several local ones. He negotiated the Oregon border dispute and chose not to pursue the annexation of Texas, avoiding war with Mexico. His presidency was marked by a greater amount of compromise between slave states and free states, as well as a push to improve the country's industry and infrastructure.
Clay died in office on March 30, 1852. He is often ranked as an above-average president.