Chester A. Arthur may not be the most famous name in American presidential history, but his life and presidency are filled with fascinating anecdotes and surprising achievements.
From his unexpected rise to the highest office in the land to his pivotal role in reforming the civil service system, Arthur’s story is one of transformation and resilience.
As a man known for his impeccable fashion sense and a penchant for the finer things in life, he defied the typical image of a politician of his time.
In this article, we will explore some of the most interesting facts about Arthur, shedding light on the complexities of his character and the legacy he left behind.
With that said let’s have a look at some interesting facts about Chester A. Arthur;
1. Arthur was born on October 5, 1829, in Fairfield, Vermont.
2. He became the 21st President of the United States after the assassination of James A. Garfield in 1881.
3. Arthur served as Vice President for only 199 days before assuming the presidency.
4. He was known as “Elegant Arthur” due to his love for fashion and style.
5. Arthur reportedly owned over 80 pairs of pants.
6. He was a member of the Republican Party and aligned with the Stalwart faction.
7. Before his presidency, Arthur held the position of Collector of the Port of New York.
8. He played a significant role in the New York political machine under Senator Roscoe Conkling.
9. Arthur’s administration is noted for the implementation of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883.
10. This act established merit-based hiring for federal positions, moving away from patronage.
11. He oversaw a significant expansion of the U.S. Navy during his presidency.
12. Arthur vetoed the Rivers and Harbors Act, arguing against excessive government spending.
13. He signed the Tariff of 1883, which aimed to reduce tariffs on imported goods.
14. Arthur’s health was poor during his presidency; he suffered from Bright’s disease (kidney disease).
15. He was married to Ellen Lewis Herndon, who died before he took office.
16. Arthur had two children: Chester Alan Arthur Jr. and Ellen Herndon Arthur.
17. He was known for hosting lavish social events at the White House.
18. Arthur redecorated the White House with help from designer Louis Comfort Tiffany.
19. His presidency marked a transition in American politics towards civil service reform.
20. Despite his political connections, he surprised many by advocating for reform measures.
21. Arthur faced skepticism regarding his capabilities when he became president unexpectedly.
22. His administration is often described as less active than those of modern presidents.
23. Mark Twain praised Arthur’s administration, stating it would be hard to improve upon it.
24. Chester A. Arthur’s presidency lasted from September 19, 1881, to March 4, 1885.
25. He did not seek re-election in 1884 due to his declining health.
26. Arthur was known to enjoy late-night walks around Washington, D.C., sometimes until 2 or 3 AM.
27. He had a passion for fishing and was considered an excellent fisherman.
28. Chester A. Arthur faced rumors about his birthplace; some claimed he was born in Canada or Ireland.
29. He was an advocate for education funding for Native Americans during his presidency.
30. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was signed by Arthur after initially vetoing a more restrictive version.
31. His administration is credited with laying groundwork for future civil service reforms in government.
32. Arthur’s political career began as quartermaster general during the Civil War for New York troops.
33. He was appointed as Vice President primarily to appease party factions within the Republican Party.
34. His administration saw increased tensions over immigration policies during a period of economic change.
35. Chester A. Arthur’s reputation improved significantly by the end of his term compared to when he took office.
36. He maintained a strong interest in naval affairs and modernization throughout his presidency.
37. The New York Times once expressed doubt about his eligibility for the presidency before he took office.
38. Arthur had a keen interest in architecture and design, reflected in his White House renovations.
39. His health issues were publicly known, which influenced perceptions of his leadership capabilities.
40. Chester A. Arthur died on November 18, 1886, just over a year after leaving office.
41. His legacy includes being one of the few presidents to embrace civil service reform actively.
42. Despite being part of a corrupt political machine early in his career, he became a reformer in office.
43. Many historians rank him as an average president, reflecting on both achievements and shortcomings.
44. Arthur’s life story illustrates a remarkable transformation from political patronage to reform-oriented leadership.
Conclusion
Arthur’s presidency may not have been the most celebrated in American history, but it was certainly marked by significant developments and intriguing complexities.
From his unexpected rise to the presidency to his commitment to civil service reform, Arthur navigated a challenging political landscape with both style and substance.
His legacy is one of transformation—evolving from a product of the political machine to a leader who championed merit-based governance.
While he may not always be remembered as a towering figure, Arthur’s story is a testament to the potential for change and growth within the highest offices of the land.
