Martin Van Buren's Presidency By hstripling Mar 4, 1837 Elected for President May 10, 1837 Panic of 1837 occurs Aug 5, 1837 Announces opposition to annexation of Texas Sep 5, 1837 Proposes an independent treasury Jul 4, 1840 Signed the Independent Treasury Act Nov 15, 1840 Whig William Henry Harrison defeats Martin Van Buren in election Mar 4, 1841 William Henry Harrison becomes President