How Did Chester Arthur Become President? Simple Facts

Chester A. Arthur, the 21st President of the United States, came to power through a series of unexpected events. Born on October 5, 1829, in Fairfield, Vermont, Arthur rose through the ranks of the Republican Party, serving as a brigadier general in the Union Army during the Civil War and later as the Collector of the Port of New York. However, it was his position as Vice President under President James A. Garfield that ultimately led him to the presidency.

The Path to the Presidency

In 1880, Arthur was chosen by the Republican Party as the running mate for James A. Garfield, largely due to his connections within the party and his ability to balance the ticket geographically and ideologically. Garfield, a prominent figure from Ohio, needed a vice presidential candidate who could secure votes from the East Coast, particularly New York. Arthur, with his roots in New York politics, fit the bill perfectly. After a contentious campaign, Garfield and Arthur won the election, defeating the Democratic ticket of Winfield Scott Hancock and William English.

The Assassination of President Garfield

Tragedy struck on July 2, 1881, when President Garfield was shot by Charles J. Guiteau, a disgruntled office seeker, at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station in Washington, D.C. Garfield died 79 days later, on September 19, 1881, due to complications from his injuries and inadequate medical care. This event set in motion the ascension of Chester A. Arthur to the presidency, as stipulated by the Constitution.

Arthur's accession to the presidency was met with skepticism by many, given his background as a machine politician and his perceived lack of national leadership experience. However, during his time in office, Arthur surprised his critics by supporting civil service reform and taking a more moderate stance on issues than expected, given his partisan background.

Despite initial doubts, Arthur's presidency was marked by several notable achievements, including his support for education and his veto of a bill that would have excluded Chinese immigrants for 20 years, signaling a commitment to more inclusive immigration policies. Arthur chose not to seek re-election in 1884, largely due to health concerns and the political climate of the time. He died on November 18, 1886, in New York City, leaving behind a legacy that, while not widely recognized at the time, has come to be appreciated for its contribution to the evolution of the U.S. political system.