Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th President, was born on October 4, 1822, in Ohio. His presidency is best known for the controversial 1876 election, which was one of the most disputed in American history. Hayes was declared the winner after a special electoral commission resolved the deadlock, resulting in the Compromise of 1877, where Southern Democrats agreed to Hayes’ presidency in exchange for the withdrawal of federal troops from the South, effectively ending Reconstruction.
Hayes’ administration focused on civil service reform, promoting the merit system over patronage with the introduction of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act. He also supported education initiatives in the South and advocated for the rights of African Americans, although his approach to Reconstruction was seen by some as a retreat from federal protection of civil rights.
After his presidency, Hayes retired to Fremont, Ohio, where he engaged in educational reform and philanthropy. He died on January 17, 1893. His presidency is often evaluated for its role in the post-Civil War era, particularly regarding the end of Reconstruction.
