Simon Bolivar Buckner attended the United States Military Academy, graduating in 1844. He served in the Mexican-American War, where he participated in multiple significant battles and was appointed quartermaster. After resigning from the Army, he managed real estate and engaged in various business ventures, including journalism. During the Civil War, he held various military positions in the Confederate States Army. Post-war, he petitioned for the restoration of his civil rights and held roles in media and journalism.

Simon Bolivar Buckner's political identity is marked by a complex blend of military pragmatism and principled advocacy for civil rights. His military career, spanning from the Mexican-American War to the Civil War, reveals a calculated approach to regional defense, particularly in maintaining Kentucky's neutrality. Buckner's post-war efforts to restore his civil rights and his participation in Ulysses S. Grant's funeral underscore a nuanced stance on reconciliation and justice. His business acumen and media involvement further illustrate an ability to navigate diverse sectors, suggesting a multifaceted political strategy.