Rutherford B Hayes Timeline

Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th President of the United States, led the nation through one of its most fragile periods following the Civil War.

Born in Ohio in 1822, Hayes was shaped by a strong sense of duty and justice, which guided his career as a lawyer, Civil War general, and ultimately, a political leader.

His presidency is most remembered for the controversial election of 1876, the Compromise of 1877, and the subsequent end of Reconstruction, which profoundly impacted civil rights and Southern politics.

While Hayes advocated for civil service reform, education, and national unity, his decisions remain a subject of historical debate. His legacy is one of reform and reconciliation, marked by both achievements and the lasting complexities of post-war America.

Date	Event
1822 (October 4)	Rutherford Birchard Hayes is born in Delaware, Ohio, to Rutherford Hayes Jr. and Sophia Birchard Hayes.
1825	Hayes’ father dies before his son turns three, leaving Sophia to raise Rutherford and his siblings.
1842	Graduates from Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, as valedictorian.
1845	Graduates from Harvard Law School and is admitted to the bar in Ohio.
1849	Marries Lucy Webb, a progressive woman involved in causes like temperance and abolition.
1850s	Establishes a successful law practice in Cincinnati and becomes known for representing runaway slaves and supporting abolition.
1858	Becomes Cincinnati’s city solicitor.
1861	Joins the Union Army as a major at the outbreak of the Civil War.
1862 (September)	Promoted to lieutenant colonel after showing bravery during the Battle of South Mountain.
1863	Wounded in action during the Battle of Cloyd’s Mountain.
1864	Rises to the rank of brevet brigadier general after notable service.
1865	Ends military service as a major general and receives praise from superiors for his leadership.
1865	Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a Republican.
1866	Begins serving in Congress, focusing on Reconstruction and civil rights.
1867	Elected Governor of Ohio, serving three terms from 1868 to 1872 and then again from 1876.
1873	Chooses not to run for re-election, focusing on family and public service.
1876	Nominated as the Republican candidate for president, running against Democrat Samuel Tilden.
1876 (November)	Wins the presidency after one of the most disputed elections in U.S. history. The electoral commission awards him 185 electoral votes to Tilden’s 184 after a contested vote count.
1877	Inaugurated as the 19th President of the United States. His presidency begins with the Compromise of 1877, which effectively ends Reconstruction in the South by withdrawing federal troops.
1877	Sends federal troops to suppress the Great Railroad Strike, the first major nationwide labor strike.
1878	Signs the Bland-Allison Act, which requires the U.S. Treasury to purchase silver and issue silver dollars, aimed at stabilizing the economy.
1879	Pushes for civil service reform, advocating for merit-based government appointments over political patronage.
1880	Establishes the groundwork for the modernization of the U.S. Navy.
1881	Retires to Spiegel Grove, his estate in Fremont, Ohio.
1881	Devotes his time to educational causes, veterans’ affairs, and prison reform.
1889	Becomes the first president of the National Prison Reform Association.
1893 (January 17)	Dies of complications related to a heart condition at the age of 70.
1893	Buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Fremont, Ohio. His body is later moved to a tomb at Spiegel Grove.

Timeline of Rutherford B Hayes

1822 (October 4) – Birth of Rutherford B. Hayes

Rutherford Birchard Hayes was born in Delaware, Ohio, to Rutherford Hayes Jr. and Sophia Birchard Hayes. His family was of New England origin, and he was named after his father, who passed down a tradition of public service and community involvement that would later shape Rutherford’s career.

1825 – Death of Hayes’ Father

When Rutherford was only three years old, his father, Rutherford Hayes Jr., passed away unexpectedly. This left his mother, Sophia Birchard Hayes, to raise the family alone.

Also Read: Rutherford B Hayes Accomplishments

Despite financial hardships, she was determined to give her children a good education and a strong moral upbringing, which would deeply influence Hayes.

1842 – Graduates from Kenyon College

Hayes graduated as valedictorian from Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. He excelled academically, showing an early aptitude for learning and leadership. His education at Kenyon laid the foundation for his critical thinking and public-speaking abilities, which would be essential in his legal and political career.

1845 – Graduates from Harvard Law School

After completing his undergraduate studies, Hayes enrolled at Harvard Law School, where he continued to thrive. He earned his degree and was admitted to the bar in Ohio, beginning his legal career. His training at Harvard gave him a disciplined understanding of legal principles and practice.

Also Read: Rutherford B Hayes Facts

1849 – Marries Lucy Webb

Hayes married Lucy Webb, a well-educated and progressive woman who shared his values and ambitions. Lucy was a staunch advocate for abolition, temperance, and social reform. She played a vital role in his personal and political life, becoming the first First Lady to hold a college degree.

1850s – Builds a Legal Career in Cincinnati

During the 1850s, Hayes established a successful law practice in Cincinnati. He quickly gained a reputation for taking cases that aligned with his moral convictions, including representing runaway slaves seeking freedom. His work as a lawyer underscored his deep commitment to justice and human rights.

1858 – Becomes Cincinnati’s City Solicitor

Hayes was elected as Cincinnati’s city solicitor, marking the beginning of his formal political career. His role involved advising the city on legal matters and representing it in court, giving him valuable experience in governance and public service.

1861 – Joins the Union Army

With the outbreak of the Civil War, Hayes joined the Union Army as a major, showing his patriotism and commitment to the preservation of the Union. He believed the war was a necessary fight to end slavery and ensure the nation’s survival.

1862 (September) – Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel

After demonstrating leadership and bravery during the Battle of South Mountain, Hayes was promoted to lieutenant colonel. His ability to lead men in combat and his dedication to duty made him a respected officer among his peers and superiors.

1863 – Wounded in Action

Hayes was wounded during the Battle of Cloyd’s Mountain, an event that showcased his resilience and courage. Despite being injured, he continued to inspire his troops and exemplify bravery under fire, further enhancing his military reputation.

1864 – Promoted to Brevet Brigadier General

For his exceptional service during the war, Hayes was promoted to brevet brigadier general. He earned the admiration of his fellow soldiers and commanders, particularly General Ulysses S. Grant, who praised his battlefield performance.

1865 – Ends Military Service

After the war, Hayes was honorably discharged as a major general. His military service significantly boosted his public profile and made him a popular figure in Ohio politics, eventually paving the way for his transition into public office.

1865 – Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives

Hayes entered Congress as a Republican representing Ohio. During his time in the House of Representatives, he advocated for the rights of freedmen and supported Reconstruction efforts, aligning with the Republican Party’s stance on rebuilding the South and protecting civil rights.

1866 – Begins Serving in Congress

Hayes served in Congress at a critical time in U.S. history, as the nation sought to heal from the Civil War. He played a role in key Reconstruction policies, emphasizing the need for unity and justice, especially for formerly enslaved African Americans.

1867 – Elected Governor of Ohio

Hayes became governor of Ohio, serving three terms between 1868 and 1872, and again in 1876. As governor, he focused on issues like education, prison reform, and infrastructure development, building a reputation as a progressive leader.

1873 – Chooses Not to Seek Re-Election

After completing his third term, Hayes chose to step away from public office temporarily. He returned to private life, focusing on his family and public causes, though he remained a prominent political figure in Ohio.

1876 – Nominated as Republican Presidential Candidate

Hayes was chosen as the Republican candidate for president in 1876, running against Democrat Samuel Tilden. Known for his moderate stance and clean political reputation, Hayes was seen as the ideal candidate to bridge divisions within the country.

1876 (November) – Wins the Disputed Presidential Election

The election of 1876 became one of the most controversial in U.S. history. After a disputed vote count, an electoral commission awarded Hayes the presidency with 185 electoral votes to Tilden’s 184. The decision was part of a compromise that had long-lasting consequences for Reconstruction.

1877 – Inaugurated as the 19th President of the United States

Hayes took office during a period of national division. His presidency began with the Compromise of 1877, in which federal troops were withdrawn from the South, effectively ending Reconstruction. The compromise allowed Hayes to assume the presidency but had negative implications for African Americans.

1877 – Suppresses the Great Railroad Strike

Hayes sent federal troops to suppress the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, the first nationwide labor strike in U.S. history. Although he was criticized by labor leaders, he argued that restoring order was necessary to protect public infrastructure and commerce.

1878 – Signs the Bland-Allison Act

Hayes signed the Bland-Allison Act, which required the federal government to purchase silver and mint silver dollars. This measure aimed to stabilize the postwar economy and appease the growing demand for inflationary monetary policies.

1879 – Advocates for Civil Service Reform

Hayes pushed for reforms in the civil service, seeking to end the spoils system by introducing merit-based government appointments. Though his efforts faced opposition, they laid the groundwork for future civil service reforms under later administrations.

1880 – Modernizes the U.S. Navy

Hayes initiated reforms to modernize the U.S. Navy, recognizing the importance of a strong naval force for national defense and international influence. His policies began the shift from wooden sailing ships to steel steam-powered vessels.

1881 – Retires to Spiegel Grove

After leaving the presidency, Hayes retired to his estate, Spiegel Grove, in Fremont, Ohio. He remained active in public life, dedicating his time to charitable causes and promoting education.

1881 – Focus on Education and Reform

Hayes devoted his post-presidency to issues such as veterans’ affairs, prison reform, and public education. He believed that the nation’s progress depended on an educated population and the rehabilitation of criminals.

1889 – Becomes President of the National Prison Reform Association

Hayes became the first president of the National Prison Reform Association. He advocated for humane treatment of prisoners and prison reform policies, emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment.

1893 (January 17) – Death of Rutherford B. Hayes

Hayes died at his home in Spiegel Grove from complications related to a heart condition. His death marked the end of a life dedicated to service, leadership, and reform.

1893 – Burial and Legacy

Hayes was initially buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Fremont, Ohio, but his remains were later moved to a tomb at Spiegel Grove. His legacy is remembered for his efforts in civil service reform, education, and his controversial role in ending Reconstruction through the Compromise of 1877.