15 Fascinating Facts About Chester Arthur

Introduction:

Chester Alan Arthur, the 21st President of the United States, may not be as well-known as some of his predecessors or successors, but he certainly had an interesting life and presidency. From his unexpected rise to the presidency to his efforts in civil service reform, there are many fascinating facts about Chester Arthur that are worth exploring. In this article, we will delve into 15 intriguing facts about Chester Arthur that shed light on this often overlooked figure in American history.

Fact 1: Early Life and Education

Chester Alan Arthur was born on October 5, 1829, in Fairfield, Vermont. He was the fifth of nine children born to a Baptist preacher and his wife. Arthur attended Union College in Schenectady, New York, where he excelled in his studies and graduated in 1848.

Fact 2: Lawyer Turned Politician

After graduating from college, Chester Arthur decided to pursue a career in law. He moved to New York City and worked as a lawyer, eventually becoming a prominent attorney in the city. Arthur’s success in the legal field led to his involvement in politics, where he quickly rose through the ranks.

Fact 3: Civil War Service

During the American Civil War, Chester Arthur served as quartermaster general of the New York Militia. He was responsible for supplying Union troops with the necessities they needed to fight the Confederacy. Arthur’s service during the war earned him praise and recognition for his dedication to the cause.

Fact 4: Vice Presidency

In 1880, Chester Arthur was chosen as the running mate for Republican presidential candidate James A. Garfield. The ticket was successful, and Arthur became Vice President of the United States. However, just six months into his term, President Garfield was assassinated, thrusting Arthur into the presidency.

Fact 5: Unexpected Presidency

Chester Arthur’s presidency was unexpected, as he had not been groomed for the role and had served primarily in administrative positions prior to becoming Vice President. Despite his lack of political experience, Arthur rose to the occasion and proved to be a capable leader during his time in office.

Fact 6: Civil Service Reform

One of Chester Arthur’s most significant achievements as President was his support for civil service reform. Arthur signed the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act into law, which established a merit-based system for federal employment. This move helped to reduce corruption and patronage in the government.

Fact 7: Immigration Restriction

During his presidency, Chester Arthur signed the Chinese Exclusion Act into law, which prohibited the immigration of Chinese laborers to the United States. This was one of the first significant restrictions on immigration in American history and reflected the growing anti-immigrant sentiment of the time.

Fact 8: Personal Tragedy

Chester Arthur’s presidency was marked by personal tragedy, as his wife, Ellen Herndon Arthur, died of pneumonia shortly before he became President. Arthur was devastated by her death and mourned her loss throughout his time in office.

Fact 9: Legacy of Corruption

Despite his efforts at civil service reform, Chester Arthur’s presidency was still tainted by accusations of corruption. Some of his political appointments were seen as questionable, and his reputation suffered as a result. However, Arthur’s commitment to reforming the government’s practices should not be overlooked.

Fact 10: Health Issues

During his presidency, Chester Arthur struggled with a number of health issues, including Bright’s disease, a kidney disorder. Despite his illness, Arthur continued to fulfill his duties as President and remained active in shaping government policy.

Fact 11: Post-Presidency

After leaving office in 1885, Chester Arthur returned to New York City and resumed his legal practice. He lived out the rest of his days quietly, away from the spotlight of politics. Arthur passed away on November 18, 1886, at the age of 57.

Fact 12: Lasting Impact

Although Chester Arthur’s presidency is often overshadowed by those of his predecessors and successors, his legacy lives on in the reforms he implemented and the changes he brought to the federal government. Arthur’s commitment to civil service reform helped to shape the modern bureaucracy of the United States.

Fact 13: Monument in New York City

To commemorate Chester Arthur’s life and legacy, a monument was erected in his honor in Madison Square Park in New York City. The monument features a statue of Arthur and serves as a reminder of his contributions to the country.

Fact 14: Historical Assessment

In the years since his presidency, Chester Arthur’s reputation has undergone a reevaluation by historians. While he may not have been considered a great president during his time in office, Arthur is now seen as a leader who faced unprecedented challenges and rose to the occasion with integrity and resolve.

Fact 15: Remembering Chester Arthur

Despite being a relatively obscure figure in American history, Chester Arthur’s impact on the presidency and the government at large should not be underestimated. His dedication to reform and his steadfast leadership in the face of adversity make him a figure worth remembering and studying.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chester Arthur may not be a household name, but his contributions to American politics and governance are worth exploring. From his unexpected rise to the presidency to his efforts in civil service reform, Arthur’s story is a fascinating glimpse into a complex and often overlooked period in U.S. history. By learning more about Chester Arthur and the challenges he faced, we can gain a greater appreciation for the resilience and determination of those who have held the highest office in the land.