Chester A. Arthur, the 21st president of the United States, is often remembered as a political insider who surprised the nation by championing civil service reform and steering the country through a transitional period in American history.
Rising to the presidency after the tragic assassination of President James A. Garfield in 1881, Arthur’s leadership defied initial low expectations. Once a loyal supporter of the patronage system, he shifted his priorities while in office, supporting reforms that would reduce political corruption and modernize the federal government.
His presidency also saw key developments, such as the signing of the Chinese Exclusion Act, the expansion of the U.S. Navy, and the dedication of the Washington Monument.
This timeline follows Arthur’s journey from his modest beginnings in Vermont to his unexpected transformation as a reform-minded leader in the White House.
| 1829 (October 5) | Chester Alan Arthur is born in Fairfield, Vermont. His father, William Arthur, was a Baptist minister, and his mother, Malvina Stone Arthur, was from a locally prominent family. |
| 1839 | The Arthur family moves to various locations in New York due to William Arthur’s ministry postings. |
| 1845 | Arthur enrolls in Union College in Schenectady, New York. |
| 1848 | Graduates from Union College with high honors in the classics and literature. |
| 1849 | Begins teaching school while studying law. |
| 1854 | Admitted to the New York State bar and begins practicing law in New York City. |
| 1859 | Marries Ellen “Nell” Lewis Herndon, the daughter of a U.S. Navy officer. |
| 1861 | Arthur is appointed to the position of Quartermaster General for the State of New York during the Civil War. He oversees the provisioning and transportation of troops, gaining a reputation for his organizational skills. |
| 1863 | Returns to private legal practice, working in maritime and customs law. |
| 1871 | Appointed by President Ulysses S. Grant as Collector of the Port of New York, an influential and lucrative position managing the city’s customs revenue. |
| 1878 | President Rutherford B. Hayes initiates reforms and removes Arthur from his post due to concerns about corruption in the patronage-heavy system. |
| 1880 | Arthur is selected as the Republican vice-presidential nominee under James A. Garfield as part of a political compromise between the reformist and Stalwart factions of the party. Arthur represented the Stalwarts, led by Roscoe Conkling. |
| 1881 (March 4) | Garfield and Arthur are inaugurated. Garfield’s presidency is marked by tension between reformers and party traditionalists. |
| 1881 (July 2) | President Garfield is shot by Charles Guiteau in Washington, D.C. |
| 1881 (September 19) | Garfield dies of his wounds, and Arthur is sworn in as the 21st President of the United States. |
| 1882 | Signs the Chinese Exclusion Act, the first significant law restricting immigration to the U.S., which targeted Chinese laborers. |
| 1882 | Vetoes the River and Harbors Act, which was seen as an example of excessive spending. Congress overrode his veto. |
| 1883 | Signs the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, establishing a federal merit-based system and curbing the patronage system (ironic for Arthur, who once thrived under patronage). |
| 1884 | Strengthens the U.S. Navy, overseeing the beginning of its modernization through the construction of steel-hulled warships. |
| 1884 | Oversees the dedication of the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. |
| 1884 | Chooses not to actively seek re-election. The Republicans nominate James G. Blaine, but Blaine loses to Grover Cleveland. |
| 1885 (March 4) | Leaves office after Cleveland’s inauguration. |
| 1886 | Arthur suffers from Bright’s disease (a kidney ailment), which worsened over time. |
| 1886 (November 18) | Chester A. Arthur dies at age 57 in New York City. He is buried in Albany, New York, in the Albany Rural Cemetery. |
Timeline of Chester A Arthur
1829 (October 5) Chester Alan Arthur is born in Fairfield, Vermont
Chester Alan Arthur was born in a small town in Vermont to William Arthur, a Baptist minister of Irish descent, and Malvina Stone Arthur, who came from a locally prominent family. His early life was marked by frequent moves as his father’s ministry assignments shifted across New York and Vermont.
1839 The Arthur family moves to various locations in New York
Due to the nature of William Arthur’s work as a preacher and reformer, the family frequently relocated. By the time Chester was a young boy, they had lived in several towns, eventually settling in upstate New York, where Chester spent most of his adolescence.
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1845 Arthur enrolls in Union College in Schenectady, New York
Arthur began his higher education at Union College, where he studied a classical curriculum that included Latin, Greek, mathematics, and literature. He became known for his academic ability, involvement in campus life, and enthusiasm for debating and oratory.
1848 Graduates from Union College with high honors
Chester Arthur graduated with distinction, earning high honors in the classics and literature. His academic success helped shape his intellectual confidence, and he briefly considered entering academia before turning to law as a career.
1849 Begins teaching school while studying law
After graduation, Arthur worked as a schoolteacher to support himself while studying law under the supervision of a law firm in New York. His experience teaching helped him develop public speaking skills that would later serve him well in politics and legal work.
Also Read: Chester A Arthur Facts
1854 Admitted to the New York State bar and begins practicing law
After completing his legal studies, Arthur passed the bar exam and began practicing law in New York City. He joined a law firm that handled a variety of cases, but he specialized in maritime and civil rights cases, which gained him a reputation as a skilled litigator.
1859 Marries Ellen “Nell” Lewis Herndon
Arthur married Ellen Herndon, the daughter of a U.S. Navy officer. Their marriage was a happy one, and Nell became a central figure in Arthur’s life. The couple had three children, though only two survived to adulthood. Sadly, Nell died in 1880, before Arthur became president.
1861 Arthur is appointed Quartermaster General for New York during the Civil War
With the outbreak of the Civil War, Arthur was appointed to a critical logistical role, overseeing the supply and transportation of troops. He excelled in this position, ensuring that New York’s soldiers were well-equipped. His work earned praise for efficiency and integrity.
1863 Returns to private legal practice
After the war, Arthur resumed his legal career in New York City. He specialized in cases involving customs duties and trade regulations, building his wealth and expanding his connections in Republican political circles.
1871 Appointed Collector of the Port of New York
President Ulysses S. Grant appointed Arthur to this influential position. The Port of New York was a key revenue source for the federal government, and Arthur used the role to reward loyal political allies under the patronage system. His tenure made him a powerful political figure.
1878 President Hayes removes Arthur from his post
As part of civil service reforms aimed at curbing corruption, President Rutherford B. Hayes dismissed Arthur from the position of Collector of the Port of New York. Although Arthur was bitter about his removal, it marked a turning point that would later shape his views on reform.
1880 Arthur becomes Republican vice-presidential nominee
Arthur was chosen as James A. Garfield’s running mate to balance the ticket between reformers and party loyalists. As a “Stalwart,” Arthur represented the interests of party traditionalists, especially those loyal to New York political boss Roscoe Conkling.
1881 (March 4) Garfield and Arthur inaugurated
The inauguration marked a moment of tension within the Republican Party, as Garfield favored civil service reform while Arthur and his Stalwart allies supported the patronage system. The divisions within the administration would become more pronounced over time.
1881 (July 2) Garfield is shot by Charles Guiteau
While waiting for a train in Washington, D.C., President Garfield was shot by Guiteau, a disgruntled office seeker. Garfield survived the initial attack but suffered from complications related to his injuries, setting off a political crisis that would elevate Arthur to the presidency.
1881 (September 19) Arthur is sworn in as president
Following Garfield’s death, Chester A. Arthur was sworn in as the 21st president of the United States. Many Americans doubted his ability to lead, expecting him to maintain the corrupt patronage system, but his presidency would surprise many with its reformist agenda.
1882 Signs the Chinese Exclusion Act
One of the most significant immigration laws in U.S. history, the Chinese Exclusion Act barred Chinese laborers from entering the country. The law reflected widespread anti-Chinese sentiment on the West Coast and marked the first major federal restriction on immigration.
1882 Vetoes the River and Harbors Act
Arthur vetoed this bill, which he saw as wasteful and full of excessive federal spending on local projects. His decision angered many in Congress, who accused him of overstepping, but it demonstrated Arthur’s growing commitment to fiscal responsibility.
1883 Signs the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act
In a major break with his Stalwart allies, Arthur signed the Pendleton Act, establishing a merit-based civil service system. The law was a response to demands for reform following Garfield’s assassination, which highlighted the dangers of the patronage system.
1884 Strengthens the U.S. Navy
Arthur oversaw the modernization of the Navy, which had declined after the Civil War. He supported the construction of steel-hulled warships and the development of a modern naval force, laying the foundation for the U.S. Navy’s future global influence.
1884 Oversees the dedication of the Washington Monument
Arthur presided over the dedication ceremony for the Washington Monument, a long-delayed national tribute to George Washington. The monument, completed in 1884, became a symbol of American unity and pride.
1884 Chooses not to actively seek re-election
Although many believed Arthur would run for a second term, he chose not to actively campaign, partly due to his declining health and lack of strong support from party leaders. The Republican nomination went to James G. Blaine, who lost to Grover Cleveland.
1885 (March 4) Leaves office after Cleveland’s inauguration
Arthur quietly left the presidency after Grover Cleveland took office, retiring to private life in New York City. His time as president had earned him more respect than many initially expected, particularly for his support of civil service reform.
1886 Arthur suffers from Bright’s disease
Arthur had been battling kidney disease during the latter part of his presidency. After leaving office, his health continued to decline as the disease progressed, limiting his public appearances and political activities.
1886 (November 18) Chester A. Arthur dies in New York City
Arthur passed away at the age of 57, just over a year after leaving office. He was buried in Albany Rural Cemetery in New York, where his grave remains a site of historical interest. His presidency is remembered for its unexpected reform efforts and commitment to modernization.