Chester A. Arthur, the 21st President of the United States, is often remembered as one of the most unexpected and enigmatic leaders in American history. Initially regarded as a product of the corrupt spoils system, Arthur shocked his critics by embracing reform and leading the country through a period of political transition.
His presidency, which began under tragic circumstances following the assassination of James A. Garfield, is filled with surprising achievements, personal contradictions, and moments of elegance that reflect his refined and mysterious character.
From his role in reshaping federal hiring practices to his status as a fashion icon, Arthur’s legacy is a blend of reformist accomplishments and personal intrigue. Below are ten key facts that highlight the complexities of this often-overlooked president.
Chester A Arthur Facts
1. Chester A. Arthur Became President After James A. Garfield’s Assassination.
Chester A. Arthur’s path to the presidency was sudden and unexpected. He became the 21st President of the United States on September 20, 1881, following the death of President James A. Garfield, who had been shot by Charles J. Guiteau in July of that year.
Although Garfield initially survived the shooting, complications from his wounds led to his death after months of suffering. Arthur, who had been serving as Garfield’s vice president for only a short time, was thrust into the role of president during a tumultuous and politically charged moment in American history.
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Many doubted his ability to lead, given his reputation as a political insider and patronage appointee. However, Arthur would prove his critics wrong by becoming a capable and reform-minded president.
2. Chester A. Arthur Was a Key Figure in the Spoils System Debate.
Before becoming vice president, Arthur played a major role in the spoils system, a controversial practice in which political supporters were rewarded with government jobs regardless of their qualifications.
As the collector of the Port of New York from 1871 to 1878, Arthur managed one of the most lucrative federal positions available, overseeing customs revenues and appointments.
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His critics accused him of using the position to reward loyal party members and enrich himself, although there was no evidence of personal corruption. Ironically, after becoming president, Arthur broke from his previous loyalty to the spoils system and supported civil service reform. This about-face shocked his former allies and highlighted his capacity to evolve as a leader.
3. Chester A. Arthur Was a Fashion Icon.
Arthur earned the nickname “Elegant Arthur” for his impeccable sense of style and sophisticated appearance. Known for his tailored suits, silk cravats, and luxurious overcoats, he was one of the most fashion-conscious presidents in U.S. history.
Arthur’s attention to appearance wasn’t just a personal quirk; it was part of his effort to cultivate a dignified public persona. His fashion choices included custom-made shoes and a wardrobe reportedly containing more than 80 pairs of pants. His polished image made him a favorite among the social elite of Washington, D.C., and further reinforced his reputation as a refined and debonair figure.
4. Chester A. Arthur’s Birthplace Was a Source of Controversy.
Throughout his political career, Arthur faced accusations that he was not born in the United States, which would have disqualified him from the presidency. His critics, particularly his opponents within the Democratic Party, alleged that he had been born in Canada, not Fairfield, Vermont, as he claimed.
The controversy gained traction due to the absence of official birth records, a relatively common issue in the early 19th century. Although no concrete evidence ever emerged to prove he was born outside the United States, the controversy persisted during his presidency.
Historians have since concluded that Arthur was most likely born in Vermont, though the lack of documentation has kept some doubts alive.
5. Chester A. Arthur Renovated the White House in Style.
When Arthur moved into the White House after Garfield’s death, he found the residence outdated and poorly maintained. Determined to modernize it, he commissioned renowned designer Louis Comfort Tiffany to redecorate several rooms.
Tiffany’s work included installing stained glass windows, custom wallpaper, and ornate furnishings that transformed the White House’s appearance. Arthur went so far as to auction off old furniture and decorations to make room for the new look.
His renovation efforts reflected his taste for luxury and elegance, but they also symbolized a new beginning for his presidency. The updated White House became a symbol of Arthur’s desire to leave a lasting mark on the office.
6. Chester A. Arthur Had No Vice President.
After becoming president, Arthur never chose a vice president to serve alongside him. This left the vice presidency vacant throughout his entire administration. At the time, there was no formal mechanism for replacing a vice president who ascended to the presidency, as the 25th Amendment—which addresses such situations—had not yet been enacted.
The absence of a vice president added to the perception that Arthur’s presidency was transitional, but it also meant that Arthur had full control over his administration without a second-in-command to complicate his decisions.
7. Chester A. Arthur Signed the Pendleton Civil Service Act.
One of Arthur’s most significant achievements was his support for civil service reform, which culminated in the passage of the Pendleton Civil Service Act in 1883. The law marked a major shift in federal hiring practices by requiring that certain government jobs be awarded based on merit rather than political patronage.
It also established a system of competitive exams for applicants, reducing the influence of political connections in public service appointments. Arthur’s decision to support the act was surprising given his previous role in the spoils system, but it demonstrated his ability to rise above party loyalty and act in the public interest.
The Pendleton Act laid the foundation for a professional and merit-based federal bureaucracy.
8. Chester A. Arthur Was in Poor Health During His Presidency.
Arthur suffered from Bright’s disease, a chronic kidney condition that was largely untreatable at the time. He was diagnosed shortly after becoming president, and his health steadily deteriorated during his time in office.
Despite his declining physical condition, Arthur kept his illness a closely guarded secret, even from many of his closest advisers. His declining health likely influenced his decision not to seek re-election in 1884.
After leaving office in 1885, his health worsened rapidly, and he died on November 18, 1886, at the age of 57. His battle with illness added a tragic dimension to his legacy, as many believed he could have accomplished more if he had been in better health.
9. Chester A. Arthur Was a Skilled Lawyer Who Championed Civil Rights Early in His Career.
Before entering politics, Arthur built a successful legal career in New York City, where he earned a reputation as a skilled and principled attorney. One of his most notable cases involved defending Elizabeth Jennings, an African American woman who was forcibly removed from a streetcar in 1854 because of her race.
Arthur successfully argued that Jennings had the right to ride public transportation, and his victory helped pave the way for the desegregation of New York’s streetcar system. This case demonstrated Arthur’s early commitment to civil rights, a commitment that occasionally resurfaced during his presidency, particularly in his enforcement of civil service reforms aimed at promoting fairness and merit.
10. Chester A. Arthur Had a Mysterious and Private Personality.
Arthur was known for being enigmatic and reserved, and he maintained a strict separation between his public and private life. This mystery deepened after his death when it was discovered that he had destroyed most of his personal papers, making it difficult for historians to fully understand his thoughts and motivations.
His decision to erase much of his personal history has contributed to his reputation as one of the more obscure and misunderstood U.S. presidents. Despite this lack of personal documentation, Arthur’s presidency is remembered for its surprising effectiveness, particularly in the areas of civil service reform and government modernization, which defied the low expectations many had for him when he took office.