24 Amazing Chester Arthur Fun Facts

Early Life of Chester Arthur

Chester Alan Arthur, the 21st President of the United States, was born on October 5, 1829, in Fairfield, Vermont. His upbringing was modest, with his father being a Baptist preacher who instilled in him the values of honesty and hard work. Arthur's early education was comprehensive, preparing him for his future in law and politics.

1. Vermont Native: Chester Arthur was born in a small Vermont town, showcasing his humble beginnings.
2. Educational Foundation: He graduated from Union College in Schenectady, New York, laying the groundwork for his legal career.

Arthur's Professional Journey

Before his presidency, Arthur enjoyed a successful legal career. He was known for his advocacy for civil rights, particularly in the case of Elizabeth Jennings Graham, which desegregated New York City streetcars.

3. Civil Rights Advocate: Arthur fought for Elizabeth Jennings Graham, a black woman who was forcibly removed from a segregated streetcar, winning her case and leading to the desegregation of NYC streetcars.
4. Collector of the Port of New York: Appointed by President Ulysses S. Grant, Arthur served as the Collector of the Port of New York, one of the most lucrative positions in government at the time.

Ascension to the Presidency

Arthur became President after the assassination of President James A. Garfield. His rise to the presidency was unexpected and marked a significant turn in his political career.

5. Unexpected President: Arthur assumed the presidency following the assassination of James A. Garfield, becoming the 21st President.
6. No Vice President: During his presidency, Arthur had no vice president, a rare occurrence in U.S. history.

Presidential Achievements

Despite skepticism about his political affiliations and loyalty, Arthur surprised many by advocating for reform and modernization.

7. Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act: Arthur signed this act into law, reforming the federal government's civil service system and reducing corruption.
8. Modernization of the Navy: He was instrumental in modernizing the United States Navy, transitioning it from a wooden fleet to one powered by steel and steam.

Personal Life and Legacy

Arthur was a private man, and his personal life was marked by both joy and tragedy. His legacy is complex, with historians often debating his impact as president.

9. Widower President: Arthur was a widower during his presidency; his wife, Ellen Lewis Herndon Arthur, died before he took office.
10. Legacy Debate: Historians often debate Arthur's presidency, with some viewing him as a champion of reform and others seeing him as a product of his time.

Interesting Facts About Chester Arthur

Arthur's presidency and life were filled with interesting anecdotes and lesser-known facts that offer insight into his character and presidency.

11. Fancy Pants: Arthur was known for his impeccable dress sense and owned over 80 pairs of pants.
12. Renovation of the White House: He ordered a significant renovation of the White House, even selling old furniture to fund the updates.
13. No Inaugural Address: Arthur did not give an inaugural address, a rarity among U.S. presidents.
14. Health Issues: He suffered from Bright's disease, a kidney ailment, which affected his presidency and ultimately led to his death.
15. Arthur's Stance on Immigration: He vetoed the Chinese Exclusion Act, a controversial bill restricting Chinese immigration, though Congress later overrode his veto.
16. Late Night Worker: Known for working late into the night, Arthur was a night owl, often holding meetings and working on legislation after dark.
17. Arthur's Mysterious Birthplace: There were rumors that Arthur was born in Canada, not Vermont, which led to questions about his eligibility to be President.
18. A President Without a Portrait: Arthur was one of the few U.S. presidents who did not have an official White House portrait painted during his lifetime.
19. Arthur's Final Words: His reported last words were about his son, showing his deep family affection: "I hope I'm a good man."
20. Post-Presidency: After leaving office, Arthur returned to New York City and resumed his law practice, though his health continued to decline.
21. Arthur's Burial Site: He is buried in Rural Cemetery in Albany, New York, alongside his wife.
22. Limited Memorabilia: Arthur requested that most of his personal papers be burned upon his death, resulting in a scarcity of personal memorabilia.
23. Arthur's Coin: He was honored on the Presidential $1 Coin released by the United States Mint in 2012.
24. Historical Reevaluation: Over time, Arthur's presidency has been reevaluated, with many historians now recognizing his efforts towards reform and modernization.

A Final Glimpse at Chester Arthur's Legacy

Chester Arthur, often overlooked in the annals of American presidents, leaves behind a legacy that's both complex and fascinating. From his unexpected ascent to the presidency following Garfield's assassination to his efforts in reforming the civil service, Arthur's tenure was marked by significant shifts in political and social landscapes. His story teaches us about resilience, the capacity for personal growth, and the impact of leadership in times of transition. Arthur's presidency, though brief, was a pivotal period that set the stage for future reforms and reshaped the executive office's role. By revisiting his contributions, we gain insights into the evolving nature of American politics and the enduring influence of those who've held the nation's highest office. Chester Arthur's journey from a New York lawyer to President of the United States is a testament to the unexpected paths leadership can take.