Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th President of the United States, led the nation during a pivotal yet turbulent period in its history. Serving from 1877 to 1881, his presidency followed one of the most disputed elections in American history and marked the end of Reconstruction.
Hayes navigated complex challenges involving racial tensions, labor disputes, and political corruption while championing reforms in civil service, education, and government modernization. A Civil War hero and staunch abolitionist, Hayes upheld values of integrity and national progress.
His leadership, though often controversial, left a lasting impact on the evolution of the American political and social landscape. Here are 10 key facts about his life and presidency that define his legacy.
Rutherford B Hayes Facts
1. His Presidency Marked the End of Reconstruction.
Rutherford B. Hayes’ presidency is closely tied to the end of the Reconstruction era, a period following the Civil War aimed at rebuilding the South and ensuring civil rights for freed African Americans. Hayes assumed office after the disputed 1876 election, which was resolved through the Compromise of 1877.
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In exchange for Southern support, Hayes agreed to withdraw federal troops from Southern states. This withdrawal effectively ended Reconstruction, leaving African Americans vulnerable to state-enforced segregation and discrimination, which would culminate in the rise of Jim Crow laws.
Although Hayes believed in protecting the rights of Black citizens, the political reality of the time constrained his ability to enforce these beliefs.
2. His Election Was One of the Most Controversial in U.S. History.
The 1876 election between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel Tilden remains one of the most disputed in American history. Tilden won the popular vote and initially appeared to have secured enough electoral votes, but allegations of voter suppression, fraud, and intimidation in key Southern states led to contested results.
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A special electoral commission was formed, and after intense negotiations, Hayes was awarded 20 contested electoral votes, giving him a one-vote margin in the Electoral College. Critics dubbed him “Rutherfraud” and claimed the presidency had been “stolen.” The contentious election exposed deep divisions within the country and sowed lingering distrust in the electoral process.
3. He Was a Civil War Hero.
Before entering politics, Hayes had a distinguished military career. He joined the Union Army as a major and quickly rose through the ranks due to his leadership and bravery. Hayes fought in several key battles, including the Battle of South Mountain and the Battle of Winchester, during which he was wounded multiple times.
Despite these injuries, he continued to lead his troops and was promoted to brigadier general by the war’s end. His service earned him widespread respect and helped bolster his political career. Hayes himself often credited his wartime experiences with shaping his values of duty and service.
4. Advocated for Civil Service Reform.
Hayes was a staunch opponent of the spoils system, in which government jobs were awarded based on political loyalty rather than merit. He believed that public servants should be chosen based on their qualifications, not party affiliations.
During his presidency, Hayes issued executive orders prohibiting federal employees from engaging in political activities and tried to eliminate patronage appointments. His efforts, though met with resistance from Congress and political bosses, set the stage for later reforms, including the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883.
Hayes’ commitment to reform highlighted his desire to modernize and professionalize the federal government.
5. First President to Have a Telephone Installed in the White House.
Hayes was a forward-thinking president who embraced technological advancements, including the installation of the first telephone in the White House in 1879. The device symbolized the modernization of communication in the federal government, although its practical use was limited at the time.
The White House’s telephone number was simply “1,” as there were so few phones in Washington, D.C. Despite its novelty, the phone was not frequently used during Hayes’ presidency due to the limited reach of the telephone network. Nevertheless, his willingness to adopt new technology reflected his progressive vision for the future.
6. Hayes Was a Strong Advocate for Education.
Rutherford B. Hayes believed that education was the foundation of national progress and social harmony, particularly in the post-Civil War South. He saw education as essential to uplifting formerly enslaved people and supported federal funding for public schools and historically Black colleges.
Hayes emphasized that education could bridge the gaps between different races and classes, helping to foster unity and opportunity. Although he faced significant opposition in Congress to his education policies, his advocacy had a lasting impact on the development of educational institutions for African Americans, many of which continued to grow and thrive long after his presidency.
7. He Was an Abolitionist.
Hayes’ opposition to slavery and his early involvement in abolitionist causes defined his pre-political career. As a young lawyer in Cincinnati, Ohio—a city on the border between free and slave states—Hayes defended escaped slaves and worked to protect their legal rights under the Fugitive Slave Act.
His commitment to abolitionism reflected his moral convictions and the influence of his wife, Lucy, who shared his strong anti-slavery views. This dedication to the cause of freedom and equality remained a guiding principle throughout his military service and political career, even though he often faced political limitations in advancing these ideals.
8. He Oversaw the Great Railroad Strike of 1877.
Hayes’ presidency witnessed one of the most significant labor uprisings in American history—the Great Railroad Strike of 1877. The strike began when major railroads cut wages during an economic downturn, sparking violent protests in multiple cities, including Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Chicago.
Workers disrupted rail services and clashed with police and state militias. Hayes faced a difficult decision: allow the strikes to continue or intervene with federal troops. He chose the latter, deploying the military to restore order.
While his decision helped quell the immediate unrest, it drew criticism for siding with industrial interests over labor rights. The event marked a turning point in the relationship between labor and the federal government.
9. Promised to Serve Only One Term—and Kept His Word.
True to his campaign promise, Hayes served only one term, from 1877 to 1881, despite being eligible for reelection. He made this pledge to demonstrate his commitment to reform and avoid the perception that he was focused on personal power.
By stepping down voluntarily, Hayes reinforced his image as a principled leader who valued integrity over political ambition.
His decision set him apart from many of his contemporaries and allowed him to devote his post-presidency years to humanitarian causes, including education and veterans’ rights. His one-term presidency is often viewed as a testament to his character.
10. His Wife, Lucy Webb Hayes, Was Known as “Lemonade Lucy.”
Lucy Webb Hayes was a significant influence during Hayes’ presidency, not only as the First Lady but also as a public advocate for temperance and morality. Nicknamed “Lemonade Lucy,” she famously banned alcohol from White House events, serving lemonade and other non-alcoholic beverages instead.
This decision was in line with the temperance movement, which sought to reduce alcohol consumption in society. Although her stance was controversial and criticized by some, Lucy’s influence on social issues made her one of the most prominent First Ladies of the 19th century. Her legacy is remembered as one of grace, dignity, and reformist spirit.