George Clinton becomes first U.S. vice president to die while in office 210 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Apr 20 1812)


Video: 'Top 5 Vice Presidents in American History' (Clinton at 7:25)

(Monday, April 20, 1812, at about 8:00 a.m. local time) — U.S. Vice President George Clinton, 72, died today in Washington, D.C., from a heart attack, becoming the first vice president to die while in office.

Because there was no provision to replace a vice president at this time, the office would remain vacant until the next presidential election and inauguration (March 4, 1813).

Clinton was the first of two vice presidents to serve in the position under two different presidents, the other being John C. Calhoun. Sworn in as the nation’s fourth vice president on March 4, 1805, he had served under two presidents: Thomas Jefferson (second term) and James Madison (first term).

Clinton also served as governor of New York from 1777 to 1795 and from 1801 to 1804.

Initially interred in the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C., Clinton’s remains were moved to his final resting place at the Old Dutch Churchyard in Kingston, New York, in 1908.