 The city is located at the southeast corner of Buchanan Township, about 5 miles (8 km) west of Niles.The community was named after James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States.Popularly known as "Redbud City" because of the many redbud trees that have historically lined city streets and the major approaches to the city, Buchanan has long been recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation.