Was Martin Van Buren important?

Martin van Buren was important in the sense that all American presidents are important. As a specific president, though, Van Buren was a largely forgettable President. His first term was largely dominated by the Panic of 1837, which he responded to with a debatably adequate effort. Van Buren's most important activities may have been his advising of the Jackson cabinet. Van Buren supported Jackson and advised him on a number of his economic policies, including the dechartering of the National Bank. Van Buren went so far as to advocate for the removal of all government funds from banks in order to separate the government from the banks.
Van Buren's most important legacy is the building of the Democratic Party and preparing it for later success.