10 fun and interesting Rutherford B. Hayes facts

1. Rutherford Birchard Hayes: 19th President of the United States

Rutherford Birchard Hayes was born on October 4, 1822 in Delaware, Ohio and was the 19th President of the United States from 1877 to 1881. He was a lawyer and a staunch abolitionist who served in the American Civil War. He was a major general in the Union Army and was later elected as Governor of Ohio. He was a Republican and was elected President in one of the most disputed elections in American history. He died on January 17, 1893 in Fremont, Ohio at the age of 70.

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2. The Man Who Ended Reconstruction

As the 19th President of the United States, Rutherford B. Hayes was instrumental in bringing an end to the Reconstruction period and restoring trust in the government. During his term, he worked to ensure that the rights of African Americans were respected and that the federal government was no longer intervening in the affairs of the Southern states. He also implemented a number of reforms to reduce corruption and increase transparency in the government, which helped to restore public confidence in the government. His efforts were successful, and the Reconstruction period ended with the nation unified and the government trusted by the people.

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3. Civil Service Reformer and Reconciler

Rutherford B. Hayes was a passionate activist who worked tirelessly to improve civil service and reunite the nation after the Civil War and Reconstruction. He was a driving force behind the struggles that led to civil service reform, and he sought to bridge the divide between the North and South by promoting reconciliation and understanding. His efforts were instrumental in helping to restore the Union and create a more unified nation.

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4. A True Patriot

When the Civil War broke out, Rutherford B. Hayes abandoned his promising political career to join the Union Army as an officer. He was determined to serve his country and fight for the cause of the Union, and he rose through the ranks to become a major general by the end of the war. His service was so distinguished that he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery and leadership.

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5. " Courage in the Face of Injury"

Rutherford B. Hayes was a man of remarkable courage and bravery, having been injured five times in battle and subsequently promoted to the rank of major general. His reputation for courageousness was well-deserved, as he fearlessly faced the enemy and endured the physical and emotional pain of his injuries. His bravery and dedication to his country earned him the respect of his peers and the admiration of his fellow soldiers.

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6. Contested Election Winner

Rutherford B. Hayes was elected president in 1876, in one of the most contentious and chaotic elections in American history. The election was so close that it took several months of intense political wrangling and a special commission to decide the outcome. Ultimately, Hayes was declared the winner, but the election was so controversial that it left a lasting legacy of mistrust and division in the country.

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7. A Leader in Meritocracy and Equal Opportunity

Rutherford B. Hayes was a firm believer in meritocracy and equal opportunity for all, regardless of race. He was a strong advocate for education, believing that it was the key to unlocking a brighter future for everyone. He was a proponent of the idea that everyone should have the same chance to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. He was also a strong supporter of civil rights, believing that everyone should be treated equally and fairly. Hayes' commitment to these ideals was unwavering, and he worked hard to ensure that everyone had the same chance to succeed.

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8. A Leader in Support of the Gold Standard

Rutherford B. Hayes was a firm believer in the importance of the gold standard for economic revival, and as such, he rejected the Bland-Allison Act which would have put silver money into circulation and increased prices. He argued that the gold standard was essential for the country's economic recovery, and that the Bland-Allison Act would only serve to undermine the stability of the economy. Despite the pressure from some of his contemporaries, Hayes remained steadfast in his commitment to the gold standard, and his decision ultimately proved to be beneficial for the country's economic health.

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9. A Leader in Social and Educational Reform

After his term as President of the United States, Rutherford B. Hayes kept his promise not to run for re-election and returned to his home in Ohio. There, he became a passionate advocate for social and educational reform, dedicating himself to improving the lives of those around him. He was a strong proponent of public education, believing that it was the key to a brighter future for all. He also worked to improve the lives of the working class, advocating for better wages and working conditions. His commitment to social and educational change was unwavering, and his legacy lives on today.

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10. The Man Who Restored Faith in the Presidency

Rutherford B. Hayes is remembered for his significant contribution to the American presidency. According to his biographer, Ari Hoogenboom, Hayes' greatest accomplishment was to restore faith in the presidency and to reverse the decline of executive power that had occurred following the death of Abraham Lincoln. Hayes' efforts to strengthen the office of the president were instrumental in setting the stage for the modern presidency.