10 fun and interesting Chester A. Arthur facts

1. Chester Alan Arthur: 5th President of the United States

Chester Alan Arthur was born on October 5, 1829 in Fairfield, Vermont. He was the fifth of eight children born to William Arthur, a Baptist minister, and Malvina Stone Arthur. He attended Union College in Schenectady, New York, graduating in 1848. After college, he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1854. He served as quartermaster general of the New York Militia during the Civil War. In 1881, he became the 21st President of the United States, serving until his death on November 18, 1886.

Also → James A. Garfield: 200 Days of Accomplishment

2. 21st President of the United States: Chester A. Arthur

When President James A. Garfield was tragically assassinated in 1881, Chester A. Arthur was thrust into the role of President of the United States. A former New York lawyer and politician, Arthur had served as Vice President under Garfield and was sworn in as the 21st President of the United States shortly after Garfield's death.

Also → Grant's Civil Service Reform: More Efficient, Merit-Based System

3. The Man Who Made Civil Service Reform a Reality

Chester A. Arthur faced an uphill battle when he first began his political career as a Republican from New York City. Despite the reservations of many, he was determined to make a difference and accepted the cause of civil service reform. This cause was close to his heart, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that the civil service system was fair and just for all. His efforts paid off, and he is now remembered as one of the most influential figures in the history of civil service reform.

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4. Chester A. Arthur & the Pendleton Act: A Major US Milestone

Chester A. Arthur's presidency was largely defined by his promotion and implementation of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act. This act was a major milestone in the history of the United States, as it was the first major federal law to regulate the hiring and promotion of government employees. It was designed to ensure that government jobs were awarded based on merit rather than political connections, and it was a major step forward in the development of a professional civil service. Arthur's commitment to this reform was a major accomplishment of his administration, and it has had a lasting impact on the way the federal government operates.

Also → Rutherford B. Hayes: Civil Service Reformer and Reconciler

5. Chester Arthur: Republican & Collector of NY Port

Chester A. Arthur was appointed by President Ulysses S. Grant to the lucrative and influential post of Collector of the Port of New York in 1871. In this role, he became a prominent advocate of the Stalwart faction of the Republican Party, led by Roscoe Conkling. This faction was known for its support of high tariffs and patronage, and Arthur was a key figure in its success.

Also → William Howard Taft: A President Who Made a Difference

6. Fired! Chester Arthur Removed as Collector of NY Port

In 1878, Rutherford B. Hayes implemented a plan to reform the federal patronage system in New York, which resulted in the firing of Chester A. Arthur from his post as Collector of the Port of New York. This decision was met with much criticism from the public, as Arthur had been widely praised for his efficient management of the port. Despite the outcry, Hayes remained firm in his decision, and Arthur was removed from his post.

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7. Garfield and Arthur: The Uniting of a Party

In 1880, James Garfield was elected President and in order to stabilize the ticket, he chose Chester A. Arthur as his Vice President. Arthur was a prominent eastern Stalwart, a faction of the Republican Party that supported the patronage system and opposed civil service reform. His selection was seen as a way to unite the party and ensure Garfield's victory.

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8. Arthur's Legacy: Navy Revival Undermined by Deficit

Chester Alan Arthur was a key figure in the revival of the United States Navy, but his efforts were overshadowed by his failure to address the federal budget excess that had been accumulating since the end of the American Civil War. Despite his best efforts, Arthur was unable to reduce the budget deficit, which had grown to unprecedented levels due to the war. His critics argued that he should have done more to address the issue, but his supporters argued that the situation was beyond his control. Ultimately, Arthur's legacy as a leader of the Navy revival was tarnished by his inability to address the budget excess.

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9. 21st U.S. President Retires

Chester Alan Arthur was the 21st President of the United States, serving from 1881 to 1885. Despite his poor health, he made a valiant effort to secure his re-nomination in 1884, but ultimately decided to retire at the end of his term. During his presidency, Arthur was known for his commitment to civil service reform and for his efforts to modernize the Navy. He also worked to reduce the national debt and to improve the nation's infrastructure. Despite his short tenure, Arthur left a lasting legacy as a leader who sought to improve the lives of all Americans.

Also → 22nd and 24th President of the United States: Stephen Grover Cleveland

10. Despite Poor Health, Arthur Still Impressive in Office

Chester A. Arthur's presidency was marked by a lack of activity due to his poor health and political character, yet he still managed to garner praise from his colleagues for his impressive performance in office. Despite his physical and political limitations, Arthur was able to make a lasting impression on those around him, demonstrating his commitment to the role and his dedication to the American people.